Anthony Joshua: Messi is great but Ronaldo is greater

Former boxing champion Anthony Joshua has insisted that Cristiano Ronaldo is better than fellow legend and rival Lionel Messi.

Endless debates have taken place to determine the absolute GOAT with Ronaldo and Messi fans both going at it throughout the years without reaching a conclusion to this day.

But as far as Joshua is concerned, CR7 beats the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner because the Manchester United legend "really had to work at it".

AJ believes Messi is "more of a natural" talent whereas the Portugal captain, who has a mere five Ballon D'ors, had to do more to get to that elite level he's currently at.

The boxing star, though, insists he respects both legends and admires their work ethic.

Joshua told Men's Health: "I am going Cristiano Ronaldo.

"They are both great. But I feel Messi is more of a natural.

"Ronaldo really had to work at it. Both work hard, of course, but Ronaldo needed to do more

and did it.

"I’d say [MMA and boxer] Francis Ngannou, too. I have a lot of time for him."

Messi and Ronaldo have been fighting it out for the top ever since 2004 when they burst onto the scene with Barcelona and United respectively.

However, their rivalry heated up in 2009 when the Portuguese superstar moved to Real Madrid and they really went at it during some legendary El Clasicos until 2018 when he left for Juventus.

But it seems like 2023 is the year that marks the end of their time after they departed Europe.

Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia and Messi linked up with Inter Miami in the United States.