“He is the best player in the world” - When Real Madrid star Federico Valverde picked between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in ‘GOAT’ debate 

Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde weighed in on the never-ending Lionel Messi versus Cristiano Ronaldo debate back in 2019. The Uruguayan initially gave the nod to the former Barcelona captain but later made a U-turn to declare his Portuguese rival as the greatest.

Federico Valverde was on loan at Deportivo La Coruna in 2019 when he attended an event hosted for the young fans of the club and answered a couple of questions.

The midfielder was asked to name the best player in the world and quickly mentioned Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo before going further to reveal his preference for the Barcelona hero.

"[Ronaldo and Messi] are the two best players in the world," he said in quotes conveyed by Mirror. Adding: "But I opt for Messi."

These comments didn't sit well with Real Madrid fans who made their feelings clear, forcing the midfielder to change his stance afterward. In a now-deleted video that appeared on his social media handle after the event, Federico Valverde made a U-turn and declared Cristiano Ronaldo as the greatest.

"I wanted to clarify a misunderstanding that occurred today on campus, with the children in an interview," said the Uruguayan. "It was a joke about Messi and Ronaldo because he knows that I am from Madrid and I always bet or fight for Cristiano because he is the best player in the world, it shows every day, match by match."

"I wanted to clarify that and if I had felt a fanaticism for Messi I would never have signed for Real Madrid, I wanted to clarify that and make it clear that they are the two best players in the world, but I will always be on the side of Cristiano Ronaldo," he added.

Federico Valverde remains a vital cog in Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid this season. The midfielder has bagged three goals and two assists in 12 appearances across all competitions.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo shine during international break

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo both represented their countries in the just concluded international break. The Argentine featured in two games against Venezuela and Bolivia, notably recording a five-goal contribution (a hat-trick and two assists) against the latter.

Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, led Portugal's attack against Poland and Scotland in the UEFA Nations League A Group 1. He found the back of the net against Poland in a 3-1 triumph and raising his international goal tally to an impressive 133. However, he couldn't score against Scotland as the two sides settled for a goalless draw.

Up next, the Portuguese will return to action with Al-Nassr when they take on Estaghal in the AFC Champions League next Tuesday (October 22). Lionel Messi, meanwhile will lead Inter Miami's attack against New England Revolution in the MLS this weekend (October 19).