Alex Iwobi picks Messi over Ronaldo in GOAT debate

Nigeria and Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi said he favours Lionel Messi in the football "greatest of all time" debate. Speaking on Adebayo Akinfenwa’s podcast, Iwobi explained that his encounters with the two legends came at different stages of their careers. He faced a later‑career Cristiano Ronaldo who had become a pure, efficient goalscorer, while his first UEFA Champions League start for Arsenal at Camp Nou in March 2016 left a lasting impression of Messi’s aura.

Iwobi recalled the Barcelona side that day featured Neymar, Luis Suárez, Andrés Iniesta, Xavi Hernández and Dani Alves, and that the home fans were chanting Messi’s name as he entered the tunnel. He concluded, “That’s a tough one… I always say, Messi.”