Caean Couto (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)
Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo is a rivalry that has spanned two decades and is unlikely to ever end. The two are among the greatest in football history, and peers are often asked to pick a side.
England international Morgan Rogers has become the latest footballer to cast his verdict on the Messi vs Ronaldo conversation. Ronaldo is the top goalscorer in history as he aims for 1,000 goals, while Messi is the most decorated in terms of team trophies.
The iconic duo share 13 Ballon d'Or awards between them, too. There are cases to be made for both to be seen as the best of their generation, but who does Rogers believe is better?
Morgan Rogers Favours Ronaldo But There's a Twist
REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed
Speaking in a recent interview with Chelsea's official website, Rogers gave a balanced and honest take on the never-ending debate. He revealed that his favourite player of the two was Ronaldo.
However, England's semi-final loss against Messi's Argentina at the 2026 World Cup appears to have shifted his stance significantly. Rogers, who played the full 90 minutes of the 2-1 defeat, explained how impressed he was by the Barcelona icon:
Messi assisted Lautaro Martinez's winner to reach his third World Cup final, and was the most impressive player on the pitch. His presence made a comeback feel inevitable even after La Albiceleste fell behind.
Cristiano Ronaldo helping Lionel Messi off the ground during a match between Barcelona and Real Madrid
Cristiano Ronaldo helping Lionel Messi off the ground during a match between Barcelona and Real Madrid
He's now the second-highest-scoring player in the competition's history. Having scooped the biggest international prize in 2022, many believe Messi ended the GOAT debate once and for all. But not everyone agrees, including Ronaldo.
Rogers Named His Five Favourites - Snubbed Messi
REUTERS/ Albert Gea
Back in 2024, Rogers was asked to name and rank his five favourite football players of all time. The then-Aston Villa ace didn't include Messi at all, as he put Ronaldo at the top of the pile.
Messi's long-term teammate at Barcelona and PSG, Neymar, was next up. Ex-Manchester United and France midfielder Paul Pogba was third, while English duo Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard made the cut.
So, while Rogers clearly preferred watching Ronaldo growing up, the World Cup encounter with Messi seems to have made him appreciate his greatness.