Above all passionate about basketball, LeBron James also carefully follows football news, or rather as he calls it “soccer”. As such, he allowed himself to settle the eternal debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

In the NBA sphere, it is customary to discuss and oppose opinions regarding the identity of the best all-time player in the league. A large majority of fans agree to make Michael Jordan and LeBron James the two main rivals in this fight. However, this type of conversation is not reserved for basketball and applies to all other sports. Football is therefore no exception.

Moreover, like the NBA community, the football community now reduces this debate to a simple duel. And here again, impossible for them to determine whether Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo deserves this famous GOAT status. Everyone therefore has their own opinion and arguments in favor of one or the other, without being able to get everyone to agree. This did not prevent the King from taking sides.

LeBron James reveals the GOAT of football in his eyes

Although very often busy given the Lakers’ busy schedule, LeBron still manages to keep an eye on the football world. As a fan and shareholder of Liverpool, for example, he did not escape the announcement of the departure of Jürgen Klopp, to which he reacted quickly . More recently, he also spoke to Dave McMenamin of ESPN about the arrival of Léo Messi in MLS with strong words about the Argentinian:

Seeing soccer’s GOAT, Lionel Messi, grace MLS with his presence changes everything for us Americans. Not only does his arrival raise the level of the league, but it also inspires a new generation of soccer fans in our country.

Delighted to see Pulga playing on American pitches with Inter Miami, LBJ without batting an eyelid makes him the greatest player in the history of his sport. This, while showing the esteem he has for him:

To achieve what Messi has achieved in his career takes dedication, work ethic and talent like no other, and I have nothing but respect and admiration for him. I wish him all the best.

Given this rave speech, it’s no surprise that the four-time MVP showed a big smile and gave the star striker a long hug during their meeting in July 2023:

Failing to be unanimous as the GOAT of the NBA, LeBron James has no difficulty in designating the GOAT of football. And according to him, no one would come close to Lionel Messi, whose MLS matches he can now easily follow.