Gary Lineker Picks Lionel Messi As GOAT, Leaves Cristiano Ronaldo Out With Brutal Reasoning

Former England striker and football pundit Gary Lineker has reignited the never-ending GOAT debate after revealing his personal picks for the greatest players in football history — and Cristiano Ronaldo was notably left out.

Speaking during a recent discussion, Lineker praised Lionel Messi while explaining why he believes certain players operate on a different level.

“He sees things that you can’t see,” Lineker said, highlighting Messi’s vision, creativity, and ability to influence games beyond raw numbers.

According to Lineker, those qualities separate truly generational talents from even the most prolific goal scorers.

Lineker went on to name Messi alongside other legendary figures he believes belong at the very top of football’s hierarchy. While he acknowledged Ronaldo’s remarkable achievements, longevity, and physical excellence, he stopped short of placing the Portuguese star in the same category. The omission immediately caught attention, given Ronaldo’s record-breaking career across multiple leagues and international tournaments.

The comments sparked strong reactions online, as fans once again split into familiar camps. Supporters of Lineker’s view argued that football intelligence, spatial awareness, and playmaking ability are just as important as goals and trophies. Others pushed back, pointing to Ronaldo’s unmatched consistency, athleticism, and decisive moments on the biggest stages.

Lineker has previously been vocal about his admiration for technically gifted players, often favoring those who elevate teammates and control the rhythm of matches. His latest remarks align with that philosophy, reinforcing why he continues to view Messi as a once-in-a-lifetime footballer.

While the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry has defined an era, Lineker’s stance shows that the GOAT debate remains subjective. For him, greatness is about more than statistics — it’s about seeing the game in ways others simply can’t.