Argentina football star, Lionel Messi has opened up on the protracted debate that has surrounded him and Portuguese star, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Fans of both football legends who have 12 FIFA World Footballer of the Year trophy between them have constantly been at each other's throats on who is the Greatest of All Time (GOAT).

Speaking on Wednesday, May 10 as he was named the Laureus Sportsman of the Year in Paris, he said appreciates what people think about him but he does not play soccer for that, adding that he does not give importance to it.

“Well, it wasn’t a thought I had around my career knowing I was looking for that. The mere fact of being considered among the names of people thinking or saying of being among those, whatever, ten or five, three whoever they want is already crazy. I never played soccer because of that. But obviously, I’m grateful that people think that way and honestly, I don’t give importance to whatever position it is”, he told CNN.

This is the second time the seven-time FIFA World Footballer of the Year is winning the Laureus Sportsman of the Year accolade.

Messi has grabbed the honors twice while Ronaldo is yet to pick one since it was introduced in 2000. Tennis Star, Tiger Woods won the maiden edition.

The 2022 World Cup Winner has officially resumed training with PSG after he was suspended for two weeks after his unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia