Football fans around the world are often split when it comes to the age-old debate: who is the greatest of all time, Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo? While many passionately take sides, there’s a select group of players who don’t have to choose. These fortunate footballers have had the incredible opportunity to play alongside both of these legendary athletes, experiencing their brilliance up close.
From dynamic Argentine forwards to rock-solid defenders, these players serve as a link between two eras of football greatness. Here’s a closer look at 15 elite footballers who’ve had the honor of sharing the pitch with both Messi and Ronaldo.
1. Angel Di Maria
Ángel Di María has played a pivotal role for both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo at different points in his career. During his time at Real Madrid, Di María was a crucial playmaker for Ronaldo, helping the team secure multiple titles, including La Liga and the Champions League.
Later, on the international stage with Argentina, Di María developed a formidable partnership with Messi, highlighted by his decisive goal in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final. After a short spell at Juventus, Di María has since returned to Benfica, continuing his impressive career.
2. Gabriel Heinze
Gabriel Heinze had a distinguished career as a tough, no-nonsense defender, sharing the field with both Lionel Messi for Argentina and Cristiano Ronaldo during his stints at Manchester United and Real Madrid. Known for his fierce competitiveness, Heinze played a key role in securing Premier League and La Liga titles during his playing days.
After hanging up his boots, Heinze ventured into management, with a notable spell at Atlanta United in MLS. Although currently without a club, his influence as a player and coach continues to resonate in the football world.
3. Paulo Dybala
Paulo Dybala is one of the few players who has openly admitted how tough it is to choose between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Having played alongside Messi for Argentina and Ronaldo during his time at Juventus, Dybala experienced the magic of both football icons up close.
Ronaldo’s stunning 101 goals for Juventus left a lasting impression on Dybala, while Messi’s leadership in guiding Argentina to a World Cup triumph in 2022 undoubtedly deepened his admiration.
4. Deco
Deco had the unique experience of playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo early in his career with Portugal and witnessing Lionel Messi’s rise during his time at Barcelona. As a midfield maestro, Deco was a key figure in a Barcelona squad that claimed multiple La Liga titles, all while watching Messi blossom into a global superstar.
With Portugal, Deco saw flashes of the brilliance that would later define Ronaldo’s career. After retiring in 2013, Deco transitioned into football management, continuing to make his mark in the sport.
5. Fernando Gago
Fernando Gago, a talented defensive midfielder, had the unique opportunity to play alongside both Lionel Messi for Argentina and Cristiano Ronaldo during his time at Real Madrid.
Gago provided a steady presence in midfield, witnessing Ronaldo’s early impact at Madrid while also sharing numerous crucial moments with Messi on the international stage. After hanging up his boots, Gago transitioned into management and is currently coaching in Mexico, continuing to contribute to the sport he loves.
6. Ezequiel Garay
Ezequiel Garay had the distinction of playing alongside Lionel Messi for the Argentina national team and Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid. Renowned for his solid defending and composure on the ball, Garay was a crucial member of the Argentine squad for several years.
He was part of the Real Madrid team during Ronaldo’s initial years at the club, starting in 2009. After a successful career in Spain, Garay retired in 2020, leaving behind a legacy as a reliable defender.
7. Andre Gomes
André Gomes had the unique opportunity to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal and Lionel Messi during his time at Barcelona. Despite facing criticism during his stint at Barça, Gomes proved to be a reliable midfielder, learning invaluable lessons from both legends.
His time with the Portuguese national team allowed him to observe Ronaldo’s leadership qualities up close, while at Barcelona, he witnessed Messi’s extraordinary talent in action. Currently, Gomes is making his mark at Lille in Ligue 1, continuing his professional journey in football.
8. Henrik Larsson
Henrik Larsson played alongside Lionel Messi at Barcelona and Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United during the later stages of his illustrious career. Although his time at both clubs was brief, Larsson’s quality was unmistakable; he scored key goals for both teams and left a lasting impression in the dressing room with his professionalism and wealth of experience.
After retiring from playing, Larsson smoothly transitioned into coaching and is now making his mark in Sweden, guiding the next generation of football talent.
9. Gerard Piqué
Gerard Piqué dedicated the majority of his career to Barcelona, where he enjoyed over a decade playing alongside Lionel Messi. However, before his time at Barça, Piqué had the opportunity to play with Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United.
As one of the top center-backs of his generation, Piqué was instrumental in the success of both Messi and Ronaldo, witnessing their incredible talents flourish in their respective environments. His unique perspective on the careers of these two football legends adds to his legacy in the sport.
10. Nelson Semedo
Nélson Semedo had the privilege of playing alongside Lionel Messi during his time at Barcelona while also sharing the pitch with Cristiano Ronaldo for the Portuguese national team.
At Barça, Semedo experienced Messi’s brilliance firsthand, witnessing the Argentine superstar’s incredible skills and work ethic up close. Meanwhile, his international career allowed him to observe Ronaldo’s legendary feats with Portugal, giving him a unique perspective on the talents of both football icons.
11. Carlos Tevez
Carlos Tevez had the opportunity to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United, where they celebrated numerous victories, including a prestigious Champions League title.
Tevez also represented Argentina alongside Lionel Messi, contributing to a formidable attacking lineup. Known for his incredible work ethic and intensity on the pitch, Tevez proved to be an ideal complement to both superstars, playing a crucial role in their successes during his career.
12. Sergio Ramos
Sergio Ramos is one of the few players who has had the unique experience of sharing the pitch with both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi at the club level. He spent over a decade at Real Madrid alongside Ronaldo, where they played pivotal roles in securing multiple Champions League and La Liga titles.
In 2021, Ramos made a high-profile move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), where he teamed up with Messi following the Argentine’s arrival at the French club. This connection further solidified Ramos’s status as a key figure in modern football history.
13. Lisandro Martinez
Lisandro Martínez holds the unique distinction of playing alongside both Lionel Messi for Argentina and Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United. As a versatile defender, Martínez has witnessed the brilliance of both legends firsthand.
He was part of the Argentina squad that triumphed at the 2022 World Cup, with Messi leading the way to glory. During his first season at United, Martínez lined up alongside Ronaldo in what was a challenging campaign for the Portuguese star. His experience with these two football icons adds an extra layer of insight to his impressive career.
14. Achraf Hakimi
Achraf Hakimi had the opportunity to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo during his early years at Real Madrid, where he began to hone his skills. As he developed into one of the best full-backs in the world, Hakimi eventually made the move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), where he now shares the pitch with Lionel Messi.
His journey from playing with Ronaldo to teaming up with Messi showcases his growth and elite status in world football.
15. Alejandro Garnacho
Alejandro Garnacho is among the latest talents to have played alongside both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. A rising star at Manchester United, Garnacho broke through just as Ronaldo was entering his final season with the club, giving the young winger the chance to learn from the Portuguese legend.
Since then, Garnacho has trained and played with Messi for the Argentine national team, positioning himself as one of the future stars of Argentine football.
These players have had the rare privilege of experiencing greatness firsthand, sharing the pitch with two of the game’s biggest legends. Whether as teammates or opponents, their careers have been uniquely shaped by the presence of both Messi and Ronaldo.
