Former Manchester City striker Bradley Wright-Phillips has reignited one of football’s longest-running arguments after stating that Lionel Messi stands above Cristiano Ronaldo in the battle for the sport’s greatest ever player.

Speaking on talkSPORT, the former MLS star made it clear where his loyalty lies. He argued that Messi brings far more to the game than goals alone, insisting that the Inter Miami playmaker’s all-around craft separates him from Al-Nassr’s prolific forward.

When asked whether Ronaldo should be considered the best footballer in history, Wright-Phillips dismissed the idea without hesitation.

The former England international said, “It’s not possible to be the best player in the world being just a scorer.”

He continued by challenging the notion that Ronaldo belongs ahead of the Argentine icon.

“Ronaldo? No, come on. Are you one of those people who thinks Ronaldo is better than Messi? For me.”

Wright-Phillips went on to explain that the true measure of greatness goes beyond statistics and requires a certain flair, elegance and control of matches.

He said, “It always has to do with the eye test. I think the best player in the world has to look like Messi has to look like Zidane. There has to be something else there.”

The long-time debate between Messi and Ronaldo has shaped global football conversations for nearly two decades. With both players now nearing the end of their glittering careers, discussions about their legacy have only grown louder.

Messi, now 38, continues to dazzle in Major League Soccer, while 40-year-old Ronaldo remains a dominant figure in Saudi Arabia. Between them, they have won a remarkable 13 Ballon d’Or titles, broken countless records and shaped an era defined by their rivalry.

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