In the annals of football, few voices weigh as heavily as that of Pelé. When he spoke, fans worldwide leaned in. So the question what Pele said about Messi and Ronaldo isn’t just trivia — it’s a window into how a legend viewed two modern icons. In this article, GypsyGoal will guide you through Pelé’s most memorable remarks — praise, comparisons, and caveats — as well as what his words reveal about the eternal Messi vs. Ronaldo debate.
Pelé’s evolving views over time
Throughout his later years, Pelé was occasionally asked to compare Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. His responses weren’t always fixed — they shifted depending on context, era, and question framing.
In one interview, Pelé confessed:
“I actually think it is a bit unfair when people ask me to compare him [Messi] to Cristiano as they are different kind of players.”
“Messi is above him in overall terms.”
“As for Cristiano Ronaldo … he’s a great goalscorer.”
He added a caveat when pressed whether Messi could ever match Pelé himself: “He’s almost as good as me. I could head the ball better and could also kick with both feet … Messi tends to rely upon his left foot a bit more often.”
But in other settings, Pelé seemed to favor Messi more clearly. In a 2018 interview, when asked to choose between the two, Pelé said:
“For my team, I prefer Messi … Ronaldo’s a great goalscorer, but in terms of the complete player, there’s no doubt that Messi is the best.”
Even so, Pelé occasionally praised Ronaldo’s consistency. In media cycles resurfacing past quotes, he was attributed with saying Ronaldo is more stable and consistent in scoring. all.football])
Thus, what Palé said about Messi and Ronaldo is not a single simple choice — but a layered, sometimes diplomatic verdict shaped by context.
Key quotes and what they mean
Below are some of Pelé’s most striking statements about Messi and Ronaldo — and what we can glean.
“Messi is above him in overall terms”
This line captures Pelé’s subtle preference in a widely quoted remark. He acknowledged Ronaldo’s goal-scoring prowess but positioned Messi as a more rounded,onsistent performer.
“For my team, I prefer Messi”
This is more telling: Pelé placed himself in the role of manager or selector and declared Messi the better pick — emphasizing playmaking, balance, and team synergy over pure goal output.
“Ronaldo is a great goalscorer”
One of Pelé’s most repeated nods: Ronaldo’s elite scoring ability is undeniable, but in Pelé’s framing, that alone doesn’t decide “the best.”
“They are different kinds of players”
This is Pelé’s admission that comparing Messi and Ronaldo is not apples to apples. Their styles — Ronaldo’s athleticism and aerial threat versus Messi’s dribbling, vision and close control — make direct comparison tricky.
On matching Pelé himself: “Almost as good”
Pelé never shied away. He said Messi was “almost as good,” citing his own advantages in heading and two-footed play — a gentle reminder of his confidence in his own legacy.
How Pelé’s views compare with others in the GOAT debate
Pelé’s nuanced preference has sometimes echoed or contrasted with opinions. Here’s a sketch of that landscape:
- Many analysts support Pelé’s approach that Messi is a more complete, consistent performer, whereas Ronaldo’s edge lies in scoring explosiveness and athleticism.
- Some fans and commentators disagree: for them, Ronaldo’s adaptability across leagues (England, Spain, Italy, now Saudi Arabia) and clutch performances tilt the balance.
- Other legends occasionally place Pelé above both, seeing neither Messi nor Ronaldo as eclipsing the Brazilian master.
- Because Pelé himself emphasized differences between the players, many believe his verdict is less about ranking and more about recognizing distinct greatnesses.
Why Pelé’s voice still matters
To understand why what Pele said about Messi and Ronaldo carries weight, consider:
- He played in a different era but was revered as a benchmark of greatness.
- His assessments often avoided extremes; he balanced admiration with critical insight.
- He saw football holistically — as not only scoring, but teamwork, vision, technique, balance.
- As a pioneer and legend, his judgments serve as a bridge between generations.
Interpreting Pelé’s verdict for fans
From Pelé’s various remarks, here’s what a thoughtful fan might take away:
- Messi appeals to his eye for artistry, balance, and complete footballing skills.
- Ronaldo commands respect for consistency, goal records, and his physical dominance.
- Pelé never wanted the debate to boil down to “who’s better” in isolation — he understood the power of context: match tactics, team needs, era, system.
- Maybe there is no definitive verdict — only shifts in perspective depending on moment, style,criteria.
What Pelé said about Messi and Ronaldo — the headline verdict
In short: Pelé’s statements about Messi and Ronaldo lean in favor of Messi when considering the complete package, though he always acknowledged Ronaldo’s brilliance as a scorer. But he never pretended the question had a one-size-fits-all answer — his views shifted with context, question phrasing, and purpose.
Conclusion
What Pele said about Messi and Ronaldo offers more than a simple pick — it reflects the mind of a legend wrestling with two exceptional talents. In his view, Messi often edges ahead as the more complete player; Ronaldo’s goal-scoring streaks and consistency remain formidable. But Pelé was never one to deliver a simplistic verdict.
If you want more deep dives into comparisons of football greats — stats, style, legacy — GypsyGoal is your destination. Share your thoughts: do you agree with Pelé’s leanings? Whom would you choose and why?
