'Ronaldo is the best human, Messi is ...' Gerrard Pique's unique insights on football's two biggest icons

Gerard Pique, a legendary player in Barcelona’s history, recently shared his thoughts on the ongoing debate regarding the greatest football player of all time, focusing particularly on his former teammates, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

The discussion about who deserves the title of the greatest player has captivated fans, analysts, and players alike for many years. Pique offers a unique viewpoint, having played alongside Ronaldo during his time at Manchester United and sharing a lengthy partnership with Messi at Barcelona. The 37-year-old acknowledges Ronaldo as an exceptional human being while ultimately casting his vote for Messi in the GOAT discussion, expressing that the Argentine's skills seem almost otherworldly.

Gerard Pique's take on Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi 

He confidently stated to Corriere dello Sport that each player has their uniqueness. While Cristiano is the best among humans, Leo transcends this world. Pique observed his extraordinary training sessions daily, witnessing skills that no one else possessed. With unmatched speed of thought, Messi made his mark from the age of thirteen, showcasing the same brilliance in both the academy and with the first team.

"It was always different. Cristiano was the best of humans, Leo does not belong to this planet. I saw him train every day doing amazing things, there would be no other with his speed of thought. He arrived at the age of thirteen and played in the same way both in the academy and with the first team." he said.

The debate surrounding who is the greatest of all time (GOAT) shows no signs of slowing down, with passionate supporters from both sides staunchly defending their favourite player. However, when we look back at their illustrious careers—especially considering Ronaldo is 39 and Messi is 37—it’s clear that they will be profoundly missed once they hang up their boots.

This week, both Ronaldo and Messi could take the field for their nations, with Portugal set to face Croatia in a crucial final group stage match of the Nations League, and Argentina preparing to battle Peru in an important 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.