Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has shared his thoughts on football’s long-running Lionel Messi versus Cristiano Ronaldo GOAT debate, describing Ronaldo as the sport’s greatest commercial brand while insisting that Messi stands on a different level when it comes to footballing ability.
Akhtar made the remarks while appearing on the Tapmad and PTV panel covering the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain.
Ronaldo Is Football’s Biggest Commercial Brand
Speaking during the broadcast, Akhtar praised Cristiano Ronaldo’s global influence, saying no footballer has matched the Portuguese star’s commercial impact over the past decade.
“There has never been a bigger brand in football than Cristiano Ronaldo. Take it or leave it. He is probably the biggest brand FIFA has ever enjoyed. For the last 10 years, FIFA has sold him. Leagues have marketed themselves through him as well,” he said.
Akhtar credited Ronaldo with helping expand football’s global reach and strengthening the commercial appeal of domestic leagues and international tournaments.
Messi Is on Another Level as a Footballer
While acknowledging Ronaldo’s achievements, Akhtar said Lionel Messi’s influence on the pitch separates him from every other player.
“Messi is on another level. Ronaldo is nowhere close to Messi in terms of football. Just watch Messi’s gravitational pull on the pitch. He gets knocked down, gets back up, and keeps going. Ronaldo is incredible too because of the work he has done. But Messi is different,” he said.
Akhtar highlighted Messi’s ability to dictate matches through movement, vision, and creativity, calling him a unique footballer whose impact extends beyond goals and statistics.
Akhtar Praises Messi’s Competitive Spirit
The former Pakistan pacer also praised Messi’s determination, saying opponents often motivate the Argentine by trying to provoke him during matches.
“And even today he is still fighting and competing. Why do people keep provoking him? Once you get him going, he responds,” Akhtar remarked.
Guardiola’s Observation About Messi
Akhtar also referred to comments previously made by former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola, describing Messi’s intelligence during matches.
According to Akhtar, Guardiola once explained that Messi spends much of a game studying opponents before making decisive contributions.
“He used to say Messi spends the first 75 minutes just walking around and scanning the game. He maps everything out first. Then, once you disturb him around the 75th minute, he shows you what he’s really made of,” Akhtar said.
Social Media Reacts
Akhtar’s remarks quickly spread across social media, reigniting the debate between supporters of Messi and Ronaldo.
Many football fans agreed with his distinction between Ronaldo’s unmatched commercial success and Messi’s footballing brilliance, while others defended Ronaldo’s achievements and longevity.
The discussion also extended beyond football, with several viewers questioning why a former international cricketer was part of the broadcast panel for the FIFA World Cup final.
Some argued that football analysts would have been more suitable for the occasion, while others welcomed Akhtar’s perspective as one of Pakistan’s most recognizable sports personalities.
Despite the mixed reactions, Akhtar’s comments once again brought fresh attention to one of the most enduring debates in world football, comparing the legacies of two of the game’s greatest players.
