Who are the 2 GOATs in Soccer? The Ultimate Debate

Well, if you’re a soccer fan—or even if you’re not—you’ve probably heard the term GOAT tossed around quite a lot. But what does it really mean? It stands for "Greatest of All Time," and for soccer fans, it’s the ultimate question: Who are the 2 GOATs in soccer? Honestly, this is one debate that’s been going on forever, and the answer might depend on who you ask. But let’s dive into it and break it down together.

The Contenders: Messi vs. Ronaldo

Lionel Messi: The Magician of Barcelona

Honestly, when we talk about the GOATs of soccer, the name Lionel Messi is bound to come up. I mean, who doesn’t remember his mesmerizing dribbles and insane goals for Barcelona? And let’s not forget the fact that Messi’s vision on the pitch is something else. His ability to create opportunities out of thin air is just magical. I remember watching his incredible solo goal against Getafe back in 2007—he literally left defenders on the floor like they were cones.

Messi has everything: ball control, creativity, and a level of consistency that has made him a household name across the globe. And when you throw in his multiple Ballon d'Or wins, it's hard not to say that he is one of the best to ever do it. Oh, and don’t forget his recent Copa America win with Argentina! That was a huge moment in his career, and I think it solidified his place in the GOAT conversation.

Cristiano Ronaldo: The Machine of Manchester and Beyond

Now, if we’re talking about the other GOAT, Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t far behind. Honestly, I used to debate this with a friend of mine who’s a huge Ronaldo fan, and after hearing him out, I had to admit: CR7’s work ethic and physical abilities are beyond extraordinary.

Let’s start with his versatility. Ronaldo has proven himself in three different leagues: the Premier League with Manchester United, La Liga with Real Madrid, and Serie A with Juventus. That’s something Messi hasn’t done, and it’s a big reason why many argue Ronaldo has a more well-rounded legacy. His ability to perform at the highest level year after year, no matter the competition, is crazy impressive.

And don’t even get me started on his goal-scoring records. His physique, his heading ability, and his work rate are second to none. He’s a machine, and that's the only way I can describe him. I remember watching him in the 2016 European Championship, where he led Portugal to victory, and it was clear that his impact on the field goes beyond just scoring goals.

The Stats That Define Their Legacy

Messi’s Record: Unmatched Playmaking and Scoring

Alright, let's talk numbers. Lionel Messi has over 750 goals in official matches and has provided over 300 assists throughout his career. He’s won 7 Ballon d'Ors, the most in history, and has set countless records for both Barcelona and Argentina. The guy has more records than I can list here, but one stat that stands out is his goal-scoring average of 0.8 goals per game, which is mind-blowing.

What’s impressive is not just his goal-scoring but his creativity on the field. Messi has consistently led in assists, showing that he’s not just a scorer but also a creator. I’ll be honest: it’s hard not to get excited about watching him weave through defenses like no one else can.

Ronaldo’s Stats: Goals Galore and Unstoppable Consistency

On the other hand, Cristiano Ronaldo has more than 800 goals in official matches, and his consistency in the top leagues is unmatched. He’s won 5 Ballon d'Ors and has claimed 4 European Golden Shoes as Europe’s top scorer. His goal-scoring abilities are phenomenal, and his longevity in the game has kept him in the conversation as one of the best, even into his late 30s.

I still remember when he scored 3 goals against Spain in the 2018 World Cup—one of the most iconic performances in recent memory. It's moments like those that make Ronaldo stand out, especially his ability to show up in clutch moments.

The Intangibles: Which Player Has More Impact?

Messi: The Team Player

One thing that always stands out to me when watching Messi is how he involves everyone on the field. He’s not just a solo player; he’s constantly looking to pass and assist. When he plays, the entire team seems to elevate. Remember Barcelona’s 2011 Champions League final against Manchester United? Messi was at his absolute peak, creating plays and scoring a stunning goal that will go down as one of the best in final history.

Messi’s ability to fit into any system and his low center of gravity make him a constant threat. I know a friend who’s been to a Barcelona game, and he said seeing Messi in person is something that just blows your mind. The way he controls the game—it’s like he’s always three steps ahead of everyone else.

Ronaldo: The Clutch Performer

Ronaldo, on the other hand, is all about that mentality. I’ve spoken to a lot of people who admire his work ethic and leadership, and they all say the same thing: he’s a competitor through and through. His determination to win is insane, and it shows in how he approaches every match, whether it’s a final or a random league game.

If you need a goal in the final minutes of a game, you want Ronaldo on your team. Honestly, I think about his performance in the 2016 UEFA Euro final, where he led Portugal to victory, and you can’t help but feel inspired by his attitude. Even when injured, he stayed on the sidelines, pushing his teammates to victory. That’s the kind of leadership that defines a GOAT.

Conclusion: The Debate Will Continue

Well, it’s clear that Messi and Ronaldo are the two greatest of all time in soccer. The debate between them will likely never end. Some fans will always prefer Messi’s vision and playmaking, while others will champion Ronaldo’s work ethic and physical prowess. Honestly, it depends on what you value more in a player: the complete playmaker or the ultimate competitor.

For me, it comes down to what kind of soccer you appreciate. Both of these players have achieved the unachievable, and they’ll be remembered as legends for generations to come.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.