When it comes to football’s GOAT argument, there has rarely been room for a middle ground – you’re either Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.

And, historically, attitudes among fellow professional players have been shaped by whether they were ever teammates with either during their careers. The previous 12 months, however, have been widely seen as the period that ended the issue, with Messi won the World Cup with Argentina in December before going on to win a record-extending seventh Ballon d’Or this year.

Toni Kroos is one player who has crossed paths with Ronaldo, having spent four years at the Bernabeu before joining Juventus in 2018. As teammates, they won three Champions League titles, four FIFA World Club Cups, and the La Liga title.

Kroos, 33, is still at Real Madrid and once called Ronaldo the greatest player of all time, although admitting he was “forbidden to do otherwise.” “From my playing days, it’s Cristiano Ronaldo,” the midfielder was reported as saying. Of course, I’m biased because he was instrumental in our many championships. It was thrilling and impressive to play beside Cristiano Ronaldo.

“We were not only teammates, but also neighbors in the locker room and in private.” He lived directly across the street from me. It was impressive to see how much of a perfectionist he is. That is why I am not allowed to mention Messi.”

But, with the 38-year-old currently based in Saudi Arabia, Kroos appears to have changed his mind. In an interview with MagentaTV, he stated Messi’s World Cup victory was decisive: “He (Messi) deserves it,” he remarked.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Toni Kroos were Real Madrid teammates.

“I’ve never seen a footballer play as frequently in a championship (World Cup) as this guy.” You have to consider that he has never played for clubs that I find very amusing, which demonstrates that I am serious.”

It’s unknown whether those comments reached Ronaldo, but if they did, Kroos would most definitely be aware. In 2021, the Portuguese star unfollowed another former teammate, Angel Di Maria, on Instagram after he said Messi was “the best” after Argentina won the Copa America.