Chelsea superstar picks Barcelona legend as his all-time favourite – ‘Wanted to be like him’

The question of Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi has died down in recent years after both players left European football for fresh starts in other leagues.

Now at the final stages of their careers, both players are direly missed in Europe for the magic they brought to events like the UEFA Champions League will perhaps never be replicated.

Despite the legendary duo being close to signing off, the question of who has a greater legacy will continue for eternity.

Chelsea star makes his pick

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo in a recent interview, Chelsea star and the Premier League’s player of the month for September, Cole Palmer was asked to make his pick between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

“Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo? For me, Lionel Messi,” he said.

Cole Palmer picks Messi ahead of Ronaldo. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

He then revealed how he idolised the Barcelona legend from his early footballing days, saying, “I wanted to be Lionel Messi when I was a child.”

While the Argentine legend is indeed no longer at Barcelona, his legacy as one of the greatest players in the club’s history is firmly cemented. In fact, his World Cup scalp leaves no argument against him being the greatest ever.

Messi currently plays for Inter Miami in the MLS alongside other club legends like Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez and is at the twilight of his career.

Barcelona are planning to call the talisman for the club’s 125th anniversary celebrations slated for next month but it remains to be seen if Messi can make it for the event.

If he is unable to travel for the occasion, he will be asked to record a special message for the club he dedicated his life to.