Garay Weighs in on the Messi vs. Ronaldo Debate

Ezequiel Garay spent three years at Santiago Bernabéu from 2008 to 2011, where he had the opportunity to observe Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo closely. During this time, he witnessed Ronaldo embark on a journey that would culminate in him becoming Real Madrid’s all-time leading goalscorer, netting 450 goals in 438 appearances.

Garay, a steadfast center-back, also earned 32 caps for Argentina, making his international debut in 2007. He was part of the U20 squad that clinched World Cup glory, alongside notable talents such as Lionel Messi and Sergio Agüero.

Having played alongside two of football’s greatest icons, Garay was recently asked to weigh in on the long-standing debate of who is the greatest of all time: Messi or Ronaldo. The 39-year-old unequivocally stated in an interview with DAZN, “No, Ronaldo is not the best player I’ve ever played with. Number one is Leo and number two is Cristiano, without a doubt. They are two very different players, but the one who has surprised me the most is Leo. I have been fortunate enough to play with both of them, and Leo is something else.”

Garay clarified that while Messi impressed him the most in terms of “pure football skills,” Ronaldo’s discipline and work ethic are commendable. Ronaldo’s relentless effort and sacrifices have been well-documented throughout his illustrious career.

Carlos Tevez, another prominent figure who has played with both, echoed Garay’s sentiments regarding Ronaldo’s unwavering dedication. Tevez shared an anecdote from his time at Manchester United, noting, “If we trained at nine in the morning, you arrived at eight, he was already there. When can you fool this guy? One day I arrived at six in the morning to grab him, and he was already there—half asleep but present.”

Garay witnessed this commitment firsthand, especially as Ronaldo transitioned from Old Trafford to Madrid in the summer of 2009. He remarked, “The story that Carlos Tevez always tells is true. He’s the first to arrive at 6 am and the last to leave. He begins his routine with gym sessions, warm-ups, and physiotherapy to ensure he remains in peak condition.”

Tevez also ranks Messi as the best player he has worked with, attributing this to Messi’s innate talent, which he believes surpasses Ronaldo’s impressive but more labor-intensive approach. Tevez commented, “Cristiano is totally different from Messi. When Leo was starting, he didn’t need the gym. Cristiano was there morning, afternoon, and evening, while Leo was always with the ball. Cristiano worked hard to prepare himself to be the best; for Leo, it comes naturally.”

As both Ronaldo and Messi continue to perform at high levels in the twilight of their careers, there are no signs of them slowing down. Ronaldo is currently under contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr until 2027, while Messi has committed to Inter Miami through 2028.

Both legendary players are expected to represent their countries at this summer’s World Cup, as they pursue additional major titles. Speculations about a potential reunion in Major League Soccer have also surfaced, particularly as questions arise regarding Ronaldo’s club future after recent events in the Middle East.