Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi? When Thomas Muller made his pick with surprise reasoning

The debate over who stands as the greatest footballer of all time between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi has captivated fans for nearly two decades. Every fan, pundit, and player has their own take on who deserves the crown. One name unexpectedly weighed in with a surprising perspective—Bayern Munich’s iconic forward Thomas Müller.

Known for his unique style and football intelligence, Müller once made headlines when he was asked to pick between the two global icons. His answer? Cristiano Ronaldo. But what made this revelation even more intriguing was the reasoning behind his choice.

“Messi or Ronaldo? I’ll go for Ronaldo,” Müller said candidly during a media interaction. “Against Messi I have a good statistic, against Ronaldo not that good,” he added with a smirk. This wasn’t just a casual preference; Müller’s answer was grounded in personal experience, having faced both superstars numerous times throughout his illustrious career.

Indeed, Müller’s Bayern Munich have historically had the upper hand against Messi’s Barcelona, most memorably during their 8-2 demolition in the 2019-20 UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. Müller was instrumental in that game, scoring twice and assisting once in what became one of the most iconic defeats in modern football history.

On the other hand, when Müller faced Cristiano Ronaldo, particularly during the Portuguese star’s tenure at Real Madrid, things were different. Ronaldo’s Madrid repeatedly got the better of Bayern, most notably during the 2016-17 Champions League quarterfinals where Ronaldo scored a hat-trick in the second leg.

This difference in head-to-head results likely influenced Müller’s decision. While Messi was brilliant, Müller had the satisfaction of conquering his teams more often. Ronaldo, however, remained a more formidable and elusive opponent, especially when the stakes were at their highest.

Interestingly, Müller’s answer wasn’t based on technical skills, number of Ballon d’Ors, or aesthetic value. It was a footballer’s honest, battle-tested admission: Ronaldo gave him more problems on the pitch. That grounded, pragmatic view adds another layer to the never-ending GOAT debate.

It’s also worth noting that Müller is not a player swayed by trends or popularity. He’s one of the most decorated players in European football, boasting World Cup and Champions League titles, and his view carries weight in the football community. His choice of Ronaldo reflects a deep respect for the challenges the Portuguese striker poses.

Ronaldo’s physicality, aerial threat, and killer instinct in the box make him a nightmare for defenders—and evidently, even for attacking players like Müller who track back and contribute defensively. Messi’s genius may be more elegant, but Müller experienced more difficulty dealing with Ronaldo’s relentlessness.

Meanwhile, the respect between Ronaldo and Messi remains mutual. In a different interview, journalist Piers Morgan revealed a fascinating tidbit from his conversation with Ronaldo. “He was incredibly respectful about Messi,” said Morgan. “When I asked who was the best player he had ever seen, he replied ‘Messi.’ But he added, ‘You’re asking the wrong question. You’re not asking me who’s the best player…’ with a smile, hinting at himself.”

That cheeky yet sincere admission shows that while Ronaldo acknowledges Messi’s greatness, he also rates himself as highly—if not higher. It’s a mindset shared by elite athletes across all sports: unshakable belief in their own abilities.

The Messi vs Ronaldo debate has long moved beyond statistics. It’s now about legacy, impact, moments of magic, and how each player reshaped modern football. For Müller, it boiled down to who troubled him more—and that was Ronaldo.

Football fans may continue arguing, comparing trophies, goals, and assists, but Müller’s perspective offers something refreshing. It’s personal, rooted in lived experiences, and perhaps more honest than fan polls or analyst debates.

His preference for Ronaldo doesn’t diminish Messi’s greatness; rather, it underscores how differently the two players affect their opponents. Messi hypnotizes with his dribbles and vision, while Ronaldo pummels with power and precision. Facing each one is a distinct challenge altogether.

In the end, Thomas Müller didn’t make his choice to settle the global debate. He simply gave his truth, based on the years he spent fighting battles on the world’s biggest stages. His words add another nuanced voice to football’s most enduring rivalry.

So, Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi? Müller chose Ronaldo—not out of fandom, but from the trenches of competition. That might be the most authentic endorsement either player could ask for.