Raul Places Messi Above Ronaldo and Zidane in GOAT Debate
Real Madrid icon Raul has stepped beyond club loyalties to declare Lionel Messi the greatest footballer he has witnessed, ranking the Barcelona legend above Cristiano Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane in the sport’s enduring debate over supremacy.
The admission carries particular weight given Raul’s deep ties to the Santiago Bernabeu and his history alongside some of football’s most decorated names. While many Madrid figures have traditionally backed Ronaldo, Raul has acknowledged that Messi’s influence and style set him apart, even from the most revered Blancos heroes.
Messi and Ronaldo have defined modern football for nearly two decades, collecting 13 Ballon d’Or titles between them and pushing individual standards to unprecedented levels. Their rivalry shaped an era of Spanish football and extended across Europe and beyond. As of early 2026, both remain active, with Messi committed to Inter Miami until 2028 and Ronaldo continuing his career with Al Nassr on a deal projected to carry him past his 42nd birthday.
The backdrop to Raul’s assessment is a rivalry that once dominated stadiums across Spain, particularly during Messi’s years as a constant threat to Real Madrid. Those Clasico encounters were played at relentless tempo, with Ronaldo often matching Messi stride for stride, while Zidane’s legacy loomed as the benchmark of elegance and control.
Across those seasons, decisive moments regularly tilted matches one way or the other. Messi’s ability to unlock defenses in tight spaces contrasted with Ronaldo’s explosive athleticism and ruthless finishing. Raul, having shared a dressing room with Zidane, Ronaldo Nazario and Luis Figo, drew on that first-hand experience when weighing their impact.
What elevates Messi in Raul’s view is not just volume but manner. The Argentine consistently turned low-probability situations into goals or assists, gliding past defenders and finishing with minimal effort. His actions often appeared improvised yet precise, reducing complex plays to simple outcomes.
As time has moved on, speculation has grown about whether Messi and Ronaldo might one day share a team. Raul has expressed interest in seeing such a partnership but remains doubtful it will materialize, leaving fans to continue comparing their achievements from opposing corners of the football world.
With neither player showing immediate signs of retirement, the debate continues to intensify. Longevity now adds another layer, as both icons extend careers that have already rewritten record books across leagues and continents.
For Raul, the conclusion is clear. Having played with and against the very best, he believes Messi stands alone for making the extraordinary appear routine. As both legends push deeper into their forties, their ongoing presence ensures the argument will remain alive, but Raul’s verdict adds a definitive voice to football’s most persistent conversation.