David Villa Ends Messi-Ronaldo Debate

The protracted debate of who is the best in the business in the contemporary football, between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo has taken a new center stage and the verdict regarding the same has been delivered by a player who is no stranger to the debate. A former legend of Barcelona and Spain, David Villa, has given an opinion that was rather judgemental and left to interpretation.

In a recent interview with the Spanish television series El Chiringuito, Villa was pressed to give his opinion on a number of questions related to football among them the best player he has ever played with, faced and the best in the world today. Lionel Messi was his answer to all three.

Villa, a co-pitcher with Messi in the golden age of Barcelona under Pep Guardiola refuted any remaining doubt about the competition. “Without a doubt. By far,” Villa said, which supports his ideation that Messi is unmatched. He also posited that Messi will remain the greatest footballer in the world until his case of retirement.

The remarks are significant as Villa has a decorated career. Being the all-time top scorer in Spain, and a leader in Barcelona championship-winning teams, his opinion has a foundation in the first-hand experience at the top level. Villa was playing with Messi at a time when Barcelona was winning most of the European football with the acquisition of various La Liga and champions league titles.

Other than the Messi-Ronaldo controversy, Villa also used another Barcelona legend when responding to questions on whom he considered to be the hardest defender on the pitch. Villa named Carles Puyol as the hardest player to run down, an attribute of the defensive drive of the previous club captain.

Although the Messi vs Ronaldo controversy keeps raging among the fans all over the world, the call by Villa lets the debate have an air of command that not many fans can defy. On the side of the former striker, it is easy to discuss, Messi is one in a row at the top.