Alex Iwobi Explains Why He Chooses Lionel Messi Over Cristiano Ronaldo in the GOAT Debate

Former Arsenal midfielder Alex Iwobi has weighed in on one of football’s most enduring debates, stating that he believes Lionel Messi is the greatest player of all time over Cristiano Ronaldo. Speaking on the Beast Mode On Podcast hosted by Adebayo Akinfenwa, Iwobi drew from his personal experiences facing both legends during his professional career to explain his reasoning.

Iwobi acknowledged that choosing between the two is far from straightforward, but said his direct encounters with both players shaped his view. He described facing Ronaldo as an “impressive experience,” particularly noting the Portuguese forward’s presence and clinical efficiency in front of goal.

“That’s a tough one. I always say Messi when asked the age-old Messi or Ronaldo question, adding, When I played against Ronaldo. Don’t receive me wrong, the aura is crazy.”

Iwobi further explained that while Ronaldo carries a strong aura on the pitch, Messi possesses something he described as a “force field” — an almost instinctive ability to dominate games through vision, dribbling, and playmaking that leaves opponents chasing shadows.

He recalled his first major test against Messi during Arsenal’s Champions League match at Camp Nou in March 2016, where he faced the Argentine alongside Neymar and Luis Suárez. Despite the challenge, Iwobi said he felt proud to have shared the pitch with such icons.

Regarding Ronaldo, Iwobi noted that during their meetings — including Premier League fixtures with Everton and Manchester United — the Portuguese star was focused on productivity and decisive moments, especially inside the penalty area. He referenced a specific encounter in October 2022 at Goodison Park, where Iwobi scored a curling effort before Ronaldo came off the bench to net his 700th club goal in a 2-1 win for United.

The two similarly met in a 1-1 draw at Traditional Trafford in November 2021 and again in April 2022, when Everton secured a vital win in their relegation battle.

While Iwobi praised both players for their excellence and longevity, he ultimately credited Messi’s unique influence on the game as the deciding factor in his GOAT selection.

Key Takeaways

• Alex Iwobi has faced both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in competitive matches.
• He describes Ronaldo as having a strong “aura” and being clinically efficient in front of goal.
• Iwobi says Messi possesses a “force field” that allows him to dominate games in a unique way.
• Despite acknowledging Ronaldo’s greatness, Iwobi chooses Messi as the greatest of all time.
• His view is based on personal experience playing against both icons at the highest level.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Alex Iwobi play against Lionel Messi?

Iwobi first faced Messi in March 2016 during Arsenal’s Champions League match at Camp Nou, where he played against Barcelona’s front three of Messi, Neymar, and Luis Suárez.

Has Alex Iwobi played against Cristiano Ronaldo?

Yes, Iwobi has faced Ronaldo multiple times, including Premier League encounters while playing for Everton against Manchester United. Notable matches occurred in November 2021 (1-1 draw at Old Trafford), April 2022 (Everton win), and October 2022 (when Ronaldo scored his 700th club goal after Iwobi had opened the scoring for Everton).

What did Alex Iwobi say about facing Ronaldo and Messi?

Iwobi said facing Ronaldo was an impressive experience due to the player’s aura and efficiency, but described Messi’s impact as a “force field” that sets him apart. He ultimately chooses Messi as the GOAT based on his personal experiences.