Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer picked Lionel Messi ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo in an interview earlier this year. The 22-year-old has been sensational since arriving at Stamford Bridge from Manchester City in the summer of 2023 and gave his take on the G.O.A.T. debate.

Messi and Ronaldo are in the final phase of their careers, but their rivalry has shown no signs of diminishing. Their influence on the new generation also confirms their profound impact on football.

In a recent quick-fire round with the PFA, Palmer said he wanted to be Lionel Messi while growing up.

“Best player I ever played with? Kevin de Bruyne. Who did I want to be growing up? Lionel Messi. Who is the best player in the world right now? Either I’d say Vini (Vinicius Junior) or Mbappe (Kylian Mbappe). Pick one? Mbappe,” said Palmer.

Palmer opted for Wayne Rooney as the best English player of all time. He added that if his life depended on a penalty, he would take it himself.

The Chelsea No. 20 also named Cristiano Ronaldo the best finisher in football history.

“Best passer in football past and present? You’ve got Kevin de Bruyne, you’ve got Trent (Alexander-Arnold), nah, Toni Kroos. Best finisher in football history past and present? Cristiano Ronaldo. Best dribbler? Neymar,” said Palmer.

The conversation inadvertently moved to the G.O.A.T debate, with Palmer asked to choose between the players he had named so far. Interestingly, the Englishman chose De Bruyne ahead of himself and Mbappe ahead of Rooney.

In the final showdown between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, Palmer chose to go with the Argentine ace.

“Messi or KDB? Messi. Mbappe or Wayne Rooney? Mbappe. Cole Palmer or Toni Kroos? Toni Kroos. CR7 or Neymar? CR7. Messi or Mbappe? Messi. Kroos or CR7? CR7. CR7 or Messi? Messi,” said Palmer.

Palmer made history on Saturday, September 28, by becoming the first-ever player to score four goals (21′,28, 31′,41′) in the first half of a Premier League game. The 22-year-old was instrumental in the Blues’ 4-2 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge.

Will Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi lock heads at the 2026 World Cup?

The Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi era, unfortunately, is in the final lap. The Portuguese superstar plays in the Middle East with Al-Nassr, while the Argentine legend operates in the MLS with Inter Miami.

The two icons had a stranglehold on world football for close to two decades, but may yet be gearing up for a swansong in two years.

Ronaldo will be 41 when the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off. Messi, incidentally, will be 39, but one cannot rule out the two stalwarts crossing swords for one last final battle.