Frank Christian
Kaka, a celebrated midfielder, shared his thoughts on the ongoing debate about the greatest footballer of all time during a Q&A session in 2020.
Despite his past as a teammate with Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid, Kaka’s preference for Lionel Messi was evident. He praised Messi’s exceptional talent, stating that it sets him apart from others, including Ronaldo.
The partnership on the field resulted in a remarkable 21 goals, yet witnessing Ronaldo’s skills firsthand did not change Kaka’s stance. He remarked, “I played with Cristiano, and he’s really amazing,” but ultimately chose Messi, calling him “a genius, a pure talent.”
What Makes Messi Stand Out to Kaka?
While acknowledging Ronaldo’s unwavering determination and extraordinary capabilities, Kaka emphasized Messi’s innate talent. He described Ronaldo as a “machine,” highlighting his speed, strength, and winning mentality, but noted that Messi’s effortless style distinguishes him.
Kaka regards Messi and Ronaldo as two of the best athletes in sports history, stating, “We are very lucky to have seen both of them.”
Discussing Their Legacies
Kaka has consistently lauded Messi’s achievements, including eight Ballon d’Or awards and a World Cup title. He admires Messi not just for his skills but also for his humility and rapport with fans.
During the 2024 Copa America final, Kaka was touched by the way fans, even from opposing teams, passionately supported Messi. He remarked, “This is something to be proud of. Messi has won love from all over the world.”
In contrast, Ronaldo, with five Ballon d’Ors to his name, remains a football icon. However, Kaka maintains that Messi’s brilliance is unparalleled.
