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NBA MVP and 2011 champion Dirk Nowitzki has made his pick in the much-argued footballing GOAT debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. These two legends of the Beautiful Game have been pitted against each other throughout their careers and have been part of some incredible battles.
The Dallas Mavericks legend was asked about his player of choice by CBS Sports presenter Kate Abdo in an episode of Kickin' It on Paramount Plus. The 7ft power forward from Germany admitted that he preferred Lionel Messi, as he prefers his behaviour to the way Ronaldo carries himself.
I'm a Messi guy: Dirk Nowitzki on Ronaldo vs Messi debate
Weighing on this debate, Nowitzki said, "I'm a Messi guy. I don't know how he carries himself or how he plays; he is a little super quick, like super fast. Ronaldo is one of the fastest players in the game, too. Ronaldo to me, the shirt off and the, 'Hey hey look at me', it's just not my style. Messi to me is way more low-key and I could identify more of that."
We have changed the history of football: CR7 on Ronaldo vs Messi Debate
Cristiano Ronaldo was asked about his rivalry with Lionel Messi, to which the Portuguese maestro replied that the rivalry was over as both players moved out of Europe. Speaking to ESPN, Ronaldo said, "I don't see things like that, the rivalry is gone. It was good, spectators liked it."
"Those who like Cristiano Ronaldo don't have to hate Messi and vice versa. We've done well, we have changed the history of football. We are respected all over the world, that's the most important thing," he continued.
