Football fans often debate over who the greatest is—Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. But there’s a rare group of players who don’t have to choose. These stars have had the unique privilege of playing alongside both footballing legends, witnessing their greatness firsthand.
From brilliant Argentine attackers to stalwart defenders, these players bridge the gap between two eras of football royalty. Let’s dive into this exclusive list of 15 players who’ve shared a pitch with both Messi and Ronaldo.
1. Angel Di Maria
Ángel Di María has been a trusted lieutenant to both Messi and Ronaldo at different stages of his career. At Real Madrid, Di María was a key provider for Ronaldo, contributing to their La Liga and Champions League triumphs. Later, with Argentina, Di María formed a potent partnership with Messi, most notably scoring in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final. After a brief stint at Juventus, Di María is back at Benfica.
2. Gabriel Heinze
Gabriel Heinze enjoyed a solid career as a defender, playing alongside both Messi for Argentina and Ronaldo during his time at Manchester United and Real Madrid. Heinze was a fierce competitor on the pitch and won the Premier League and La Liga during his career. After retiring, Heinze transitioned into management, including a stint with Atlanta United in MLS, though he is currently without a club.
3. Paulo Dybala
Paulo Dybala is one of the rare players who has expressed his difficulty in choosing between Messi and Ronaldo. Having played with Messi for Argentina and Ronaldo at Juventus, Dybala witnessed firsthand the brilliance of both players. Ronaldo’s remarkable 101 goals at Juventus were instrumental in Dybala’s admiration, though Messi’s leadership in leading Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022 must have deepened his respect.
4. Deco
Deco had the privilege of playing with Ronaldo at the start of his career with Portugal and alongside Messi during his time at Barcelona. A midfield maestro, Deco witnessed Messi’s rise to greatness while being an established figure in a Barca team that won multiple La Liga titles. Playing with Ronaldo in the Portuguese national team, Deco saw glimpses of the superstar Ronaldo would become. Deco retired in 2013 and now works in football management.
5. Fernando Gago
A defensive midfielder who had the pleasure of playing with Messi for Argentina and Ronaldo at Real Madrid, Fernando Gago was a steady presence in both teams. Gago’s time at Madrid was marked by Ronaldo’s early days at the club, while his international career saw him share many pivotal moments with Messi. After retiring, Gago ventured into management and is currently coaching in Mexico.
6. Ezequiel Garay
Garay had the distinction of playing alongside Messi at international level with Argentina and Ronaldo at Real Madrid. Known for his solid defending and composure on the ball, Garay was an essential part of the Argentine squad for several years. He spent time at Real Madrid when Ronaldo first joined the club in 2009. Garay retired in 2020 after a successful career in Spain.
7. Andre Gomes
André Gomes had the rare opportunity of playing with Ronaldo for Portugal and Messi during his stint at Barcelona. Despite facing criticism during his time at Barca, Gomes remained a solid midfielder who learned from both legends. His time with Portugal allowed him to see Ronaldo’s leadership in action, while at Barca, he witnessed Messi’s magic unfold. Gomes now plays for Lille in Ligue.
8. Henrik Larsson
Henrik Larsson was at the tail end of his career when he played alongside Messi at Barcelona and Ronaldo at Manchester United. Despite his brief stints at both clubs, Larsson’s quality was undeniable. He scored crucial goals for Barca and United, making a lasting impact on the dressing room with his professionalism and experience. Larsson is now coaching in Sweden, having transitioned smoothly from player to manager.
9. Gerard Piqué
Gerard Piqué spent the majority of his career at Barcelona, where he played with Messi for over a decade. However, earlier in his career, Piqué played with Ronaldo at Manchester United before moving to Barca. As one of the best center-backs of his generation, Piqué was a key figure in both Messi and Ronaldo’s success stories, having seen both thrive in their respective environments.
10. Nelson Semedo
Semedo played with Messi during his time at Barcelona and shares the pitch with Ronaldo for Portugal. His time at Barca saw him witness Messi’s brilliance up close, while his international career provides him with a front-row seat to Ronaldo’s legendary exploits with Portugal.
11. Carlos Tevez
Carlos Tevez played with Ronaldo at Manchester United, where they won multiple trophies, including the Champions League. Tevez also featured alongside Messi for Argentina, forming part of a talented attacking lineup. His work ethic and intensity on the pitch made him a perfect complement to both superstars.
12. Sergio Ramos
Sergio Ramos is one of the rare players who has shared the field with both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi at the club level. He spent over a decade with Ronaldo at Real Madrid, where the duo helped the club win multiple Champions League and La Liga titles. In 2021, Ramos joined PSG, where he linked up with Messi following the Argentine’s high-profile move to the French club.
13. Lisandro Martinez
Lisandro Martínez has the distinction of playing alongside Messi for the Argentine national team and Ronaldo at Manchester United. A versatile defender, Martínez has seen both legends up close—he was part of the Argentina squad that won the 2022 World Cup, with Messi leading the charge. Meanwhile, his first season at United saw him line up alongside Ronaldo during a challenging campaign for the Portuguese forward.
14. Achraf Hakimi
Achraf Hakimi played with Ronaldo during his early days at Real Madrid. After developing into one of the best full-backs in the world, Hakimi moved to PSG, where he now shares the pitch with Messi.
15. Alejandro Garnacho
Alejandro Garnacho is one of the newest players to play alongside both Messi and Ronaldo. The young winger, a rising star at Manchester United, made his breakthrough just as Ronaldo was entering his final season with the club. Garnacho has since had the opportunity to train and play with Messi for the Argentine national team, representing the future of Argentine football.
These players have witnessed greatness from two of football’s biggest legends up close. Whether sharing a locker room or lining up on opposite sides, their unique careers have been enriched by the privilege of playing with both Messi and Ronaldo.
For football fans and bettors, watching these stars on the pitch is always thrilling. Want to make your football experience even more exciting? Bet on your favorite players and teams at iLOTBET—where every match is an opportunity to win big!
[OpinionNigeria]