Pelé's GOAT Debate: Roberto Baggio and Marco Materazzi Weigh In
Roberto Baggio has chosen Lionel Messi as the greatest footballer of all time (GOAT) ahead of Diego Maradona and Pelé. The Italian legend cited Messi's incredible longevity as the reason for his pick.
What happened?
Baggio was joined by fellow Italian Marco Materazzi, as well as the likes of Ronaldo de Lima, Romario, and Gabriel Batistuta on the segment. Materazzi stepped out of the bracket in his pick as he snubbed Lionel Messi and others and opted for the Brazilian Ronaldo instead.
Why it matters for Pelé
Pelé is one of the greatest players the world has seen, despite playing with 'one knee' for most of his career. He won two World Cup titles, two Copa America titles, and three FIFA World Player of the Year awards among others during his playing days.
What comes next?
Lionel Messi is on course to topple Diego Maradona's World Cup trophy record. The 39-year-old has fired Argentina to the semifinals of the competition once again, contributing an impressive eight goals and two assists so far.
The Italian legend had a difficult time settling the GOAT debate but ended up choosing the current Argentina captain regardless. He said: “It’s very hard; it’s even ugly to rank, as we are talking about the absolute essence of football," he said in quotes conveyed by OneFootball. "These three have been above the others.
Materazzi's surprising pick
Materazzi, a fellow Italian, snubbed Lionel Messi and opted for the Brazilian Ronaldo instead. “I always say this, for me, it’s him [Ronaldo]. Because what he did without two knees, going 150 km/h, nobody has done it. I’m a boomer, but when I watch YouTube, and I see what he used to do, at a time when defenders hit hard, you feel he was Martian, and he really was a Martian.
Ronaldo de Lima definitely deserves the GOAT shout. The Brazilian is one of the greatest players the world has seen despite playing with 'one knee' for most of his career. He won two World Cup titles, two Copa America titles, and three FIFA World Player of the Year awards among others during his playing days.
Lionel Messi has a golden opportunity to go ahead of Maradona if he can manage to win the iconic trophy once again this year. The 39-year-old has fired Argentina to the semifinals of the competition once again, contributing an impressive eight goals and two assists so far.
Up next, the Albiceleste will go head-to-head with England on Wednesday, July 15, for a chance to reach the final in back-to-back editions. It remains to be seen whether they can pull it off.
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