Man Utd youngster picks Messi over Ronaldo in GOAT debate

The long-standing debate over football’s greatest of all time – the GOAT – continues, and within the ranks of Manchester United, opinions are diverging. While many current and former players align with Cristiano Ronaldo in that discussion, some favor Lionel Messi, including young winger Amad Diallo.

A Different Perspective from Old Trafford

Diallo, who trained with Ronaldo during their time together at Manchester United in 2021 but never played a competitive match alongside him, openly identifies Messi as his idol. He stated to the Manchester United YouTube channel, “In my life, my idol was Messi, I always say Messi. He is the player I try to learn from.”

Did You Know? Amad Diallo, despite being a lifelong Manchester United supporter, has consistently cited Lionel Messi as his footballing idol.

Inspired by a Shared Trait

In a 2024 interview with Sky Sports, Diallo further explained his admiration for Messi, noting a key similarity between their playing styles. “Messi has always been my idol because he is left-footed like me,” he said. “I want to do some things like Messi. I like Messi, how he plays.”

Rooney and Rashford Also Favor Messi

Diallo isn’t alone in his preference within the United sphere. Former United star Wayne Rooney also leans towards Messi, stating he believes the Argentinian had “a little bit more in terms of how he played and taking players on.” Rooney emphasized his respect for Ronaldo, clarifying, “I love Cristiano and playing with him…people think because I’ve said Messi is better than Ronaldo, I don’t like him.”

Expert Insight: The differing opinions within Manchester United highlight the subjective nature of the GOAT debate, even among those who have directly experienced playing with both Ronaldo and Messi. Loyalty to a club doesn’t necessarily dictate preference when evaluating individual brilliance.

Marcus Rashford, a former teammate of Diallo’s, also expressed a preference for Messi in 2018, calling some of Messi’s performances “unbelievable” while still acknowledging Ronaldo as a “big fan” as well.

What Could Happen Next?

While Ronaldo may not be swayed by these opinions, the growing number of United figures publicly supporting Messi could fuel further discussion and debate among fans. It’s possible this trend could influence younger players coming through the academy, though individual preferences will likely remain diverse. The ongoing success of both players in their respective leagues will undoubtedly continue to shape the conversation for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What player does Amad Diallo consider his idol?

Amad Diallo considers Lionel Messi his idol, stating he always says Messi and tries to learn from him.

Who else at Manchester United prefers Messi over Ronaldo?

Wayne Rooney and Marcus Rashford have both publicly stated their preference for Lionel Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo.

Did Amad Diallo and Cristiano Ronaldo play together in a competitive match?

No, Amad Diallo and Cristiano Ronaldo trained together at Manchester United in 2021, but Diallo never played in a competitive game alongside Ronaldo.

How much weight do you place on the opinions of former teammates when considering the greatest footballer of all time?