In terms of soccer icons, few have had the worldwide impression of Diego Forlan. Identified for his historic efficiency on the 2010 World Cup with Uruguay and his spectacular stints with Atletico Madrid and Manchester United, Forlan holds a particular place within the sport’s lore.
But, Forlan humbly acknowledges that even he falls in need of the sport’s elite, singling out one title above the remainder: Lionel Messi. In an interview with GOAL, the previous striker participated in a rapid-fire Q&A session the place he in contrast prime gamers, finally touchdown on Messi as the best of all time.
Among the many names Forlan was given to select from had been Xavi and Iniesta, with Forlan choosing Xavi “as a result of he’s from my era.” When requested to select between Luis Suarez and Actual Madrid legend Raul González, Forlan stunned many by selecting Raúl over his fellow Uruguayan.
Forlan then picked Cristiano Ronaldo over Ronaldo Nazário, however when the ultimate query got here right down to Messi versus Cristiano, he topped the Argentine as one of the best participant.
Lionel Messi of Barcelona (L) and Cristiano Ronaldo of Juventus F.C. (R) look on throughout the UEFA Champions League Group G stage match between FC Barcelona and Juventus at Camp Nou on December 08, 2020. David Ramos/Getty Pictures
Forlan explains why he picks Messi over Ronaldo
Forlan has by no means shied away from voicing his desire for Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo. In a 2017 column for The Nationwide, the Uruguayan detailed his stance from a technical perspective.
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“Messi can do it alone. Possibly Ronaldo wants a teammate to assist change the sport, however Messi can do it by himself,” Forlan famous, explaining what he sees as the important thing distinction between the 2 trendy legends.
“Ronaldo has advanced as a participant. When he was youthful, he was extra like Messi. He appreciated to dribble and exhibit his expertise. Now he’s extra direct, a deadly machine who scores way more targets,” Forlan wrote on the time, referring to Ronaldo’s transformation right into a center-forward.
“For years, Messi and Ronaldo have gone head-to-head, and so they’ll preserve doing so for years to come back. I feel Messi is a bit higher, although some could disagree. Possibly there’s nonetheless time for them to vary our minds.” It is likely to be time to ask Forlan once more if his view has shifted.
