Eden Hazard, the retired Belgian footballer, recently shared his perspective on the age-old debate of Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo. In an interview with French paper L’Equipe, Hazard expressed his belief that Messi is the greatest footballer in history.
Hazard, who enjoyed seven sensational seasons at Chelsea before struggling during his time at Real Madrid, acknowledged Messi’s incredible skills on the field. He stated, “It’s impossible to take the ball away from him.” Hazard also expressed his admiration for Neymar, suggesting that the Brazilian may be on par with Messi.
While Hazard acknowledged Ronaldo’s greatness, he did not consider him to be better than himself in terms of pure football. However, he did recognize the talent and achievements of other players at Real Madrid, such as Karim Benzema, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, and Kevin De Bruyne.
When comparing the statistics of Messi, Ronaldo, and Hazard, it is clear that both Messi and Ronaldo have achieved more in terms of goals and assists. Messi has scored a remarkable 821 goals in 1,033 games for club and country, while Ronaldo has netted 867 times in 1,198 games. Additionally, both players have won numerous individual awards, including Ballon d’Or titles.
However, it is important to note that Hazard had an impressive career himself. He scored 200 goals and provided 193 assists in 748 games across his career. He led Lille to a stunning Ligue 1 and Coupe de France double before achieving success at Chelsea with two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, two League Cups, and a pair of Europa Leagues.
Although Hazard’s opinion adds another perspective to the Messi vs Ronaldo debate, it is ultimately up to the fans and experts to decide who holds the title of the greatest footballer. Both Messi and Ronaldo have left an indelible mark on the sport with their incredible skills, records, and achievements.
As Messi and Ronaldo approach the end of their illustrious careers, it is a fitting time to reflect on their legacies and the impact they have had on the world of football. Regardless of personal opinions, their contributions to the sport have been unmatched, and their rivalry will be remembered for generations to come.