The former Barcelona star is definitely taking sides in the Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo debate
For years, football fans, critics and players have been involved in the battle for who is better between lionel messi and cristiano ronaldo. While both Messi and Ronaldo once played for fierce rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid in Spain’s LA League, both these soccer stars have now moved on. On January 11, 2026, during the Spanish Super Cup final, fans witnessed a battle in El Clasico as Barcelona defeated Madrid 3-2 to secure the trophy.
At the same event, former Barcelona forward David Villa caught up with El Chiringuito, where shared his thoughts on the Messi vs. Ronaldo debate. When asked if Messi is the best player, Villa had an answer ready (quote translated from the original Spanish video).
“Without a doubt. Convincing. I still say that Messi, until he retires, will remain the best player in the world.”
In the same clip, Villa also had to answer the best player he played with, the best player he faced and the best player in the world today, to which he replied “Lionel Messi”.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is currently 38 years old, but shows no signs of slowing down. The captain of Inter from Miami cemented himself in the team as the most famous player in history.
While Messi is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world, David Villa was also known as one of the greatest footballers in his prime. Villa spent almost 20 years playing for some of the best clubs around the world, where he managed to score a total of 330 goals. Villa also won in 2010 World Cup in football in addition to multiple titles in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.
2026-01-12 13:44:00
