Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke gave his take on the Messi vs. Ronaldo debate, saying that Lionel Messi is a better player than Cristiano Ronaldo.
Koke said in an interview with Goal that Messi and Ronaldo are both terrific players in their own right as proven by the combined six Ballon d'Or awards between the two soccer superstars.
Koke pointed out that Ronaldo is a terrific athlete because of his physical prowess, but the 22-year-old said that the Messi is a "God" of football, which makes him believe that the FC Barcelona superstar is a better player.
"Ronaldo is an athlete, but Messi is a god," Koke said in a Messi vs. Ronaldo debate update. "They're both great players. I see them on the pitch and it's spectacular. It's tough to decide. You always want them on your team, and even though it's Cristiano, I'd choose Messi."
Messi and Ronaldo are expected to have a close race for this year's Ballon d'Or award after performing well for their respective teams. Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has no doubts that their superstar will win it this year, but most analysts disagreed, predicting a much closer fight for the award.
Spanish football manager Fran Escriba of Elche FC also called Ronaldo the "Michael Jordan of Soccer" because of his terrific ability to score goals as proven by his 13 goals in just six league appearances this season.
FC Barcelona coach Luis Enrique came into the defense of Messi, pointing out that he will pick the Argentine striker in the Messi vs. Ronaldo debate even if he is not coaching him at Barca.
When asked about Escriba's recent statement on Ronaldo, Enrique replied: "If Cristiano Ronaldo is like Michael Jordan, then Lionel Messi is like Wilt Chamberlain, who was in fact the only player scoring 100 points in a single NBA game. I would stick with Messi if you ask me."
Enrique insisted that Messi possesses unique abilities that make him the undisputed best soccer player in the world today despite Ronaldo's impressive goal tally this season.
"Messi is one of those rare players who seems to have been touched with a magic wand. He's on a great moment right now and to see him pressing high and being as generous to his teammates as he has been, is definitely a great joy I have. In my opinion, he remains being the number one in the world in every aspect of the game," Enrique said.
