Football fans have responded to Jose Mourinho's recent comments about Lionel Messi, with many suggesting 'the Special One' may have settled the long-standing GOAT debate.
For nearly two decades, the Argentine and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated the sport, competing for both personal and team honours, while fans have endlessly debated who is superior.
In choosing who is the better of the two football icons, club and national loyalties can influence opinions on the matter, and personalities also affect perceptions of a player's greatness, per GOAL.
Regardless, most people already have their preferred choice. Though the debate seemed to have quieted down after Messi's triumph at the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, it has resurfaced once again.
Mourinho's recent remarks about the Argentine playmaker have reignited the discussion.
When asked which player he would have loved to coach, the former Chelsea and Manchester United manager named Messi without hesitation.
"Of course I would say the little guy, the little guy was not coachable, but I have to say that in our generation, he [Messi] was the best," the 61-year-old told TNT Sports.
🚨🗣️ - Mourinho answers this question:
— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) June 12, 2024
“Of course I would say the little guy, the little guy was not coachable but I have to say that in our generation he [Messi] was the best.” [@tntsports] pic.twitter.com/eUy8J7Dguh
