Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are often compared against each other, both for their on-field prowess and off-the-field achievements, leaving fans and critics divided as to who supersedes the other.
Despite having different styles and approaches to the game, Ronaldo and Messi have been dubbed as "rivals" on the pitch throughout their nearly two-decades-long careers — despite the two stars often rejecting such narrative and acknowledging mutual respect for one another.
However, it is the fans, critics, and even former and current players that fuel this debate, one such recent contribution in this regard was made by Egyptian footballer Omar Al Somah during a podcast with renowned sports commentator Ayman Jada.
When asked about his opinion on who is the complete player in the sport's history, the Egyptian footballer replied, "There are two complete players in football for me, Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic," reported essentiallysports.
Al Somah — who has featured in the Saudi Pro League for Al Ahli, an opponent of Ronaldo's Al Nassr — remarks come as Ronaldo is set to finish the outgoing year as the highest goal scorer with an impressive 53-goal tally.
Ronaldo is trailed by stars such as Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe — with 52 goals each — whereas Erling Haaland managed to score 50 goals in 2023.
The Egyptian footballer's comments may raise some eyebrows as some might argue that Messi surpasses Ronaldo when it comes to prowess and accolades on the pitch — courtesy of his World Cup triumph along with his record eight Ballon d'Or wins.
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