'I wanted to be like him' — Chelsea star Cole Palmer explains choice in Messi vs Ronaldo GOAT debate

Chelsea superstar Cole Palmer has chosen a side in the never-ending GOAT debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

The rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi has been a dominant narrative in football for over a decade, with both players consistently pushing each other to new heights.

If you love football, you're likely to fall into either camp; Ronaldo or Messi.

Footballers, coaches, fans and observers have been forced to pick a side and the new generation look set to continue that trend.

Cole Palmer settles Messi vs Ronaldo GOAT debate

One player whose opinion certainly holds water is Cole Palmer. The Chelsea attacking midfielder was asked to pick his GOAT In a recent interview with Goal, (via Fabrizio Romano)

Cristiano Ronaldo in action for Al Nassr | Imago

Lionel Messi lifting La Liga trophy

"Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo? For me, Lionel Messi.

“I wanted to be like Messi when I was a kid."

Both stars will go down as two of football's greatest-ever talents, with both individual and collective awards to show for their incredible careers.

Messi finally won the one trophy missing from his cabinet with the World Cup triumph in 2022, including two Copa America trophies. The Argentina captain is the most decorated player in football history, and his 8 Ballon d'Or wins will be almost impossible to surpass.