Son Heung-min has given his view on the Messi vs Ronaldo GOAT debate, saying Cristiano Ronaldo remains his idol but admitting that Lionel Messi is probably the greatest of all time.
Son gave his answer during an appearance on The Late Run podcast, with the South Korea forward now based at Los Angeles FC after leaving Tottenham Hotspur. The comments were published on September 4, 2026.
After Messi’s recent retirement from international football renewed the debate over the two players’ legacies. Ronaldo, who plays for Al Nassr, had previously declared the debate “finished” in 2023.
Son said his personal preference would always be Ronaldo because of his emotional connection to the Portuguese forward, but acknowledged that Messi’s achievements make him the likely GOAT.
"I always say Cristiano Ronaldo because he is my idol; still he is," Son said. "He is 41 and looks like 20, and he shows how much love of football or passion, but I can't change these things."
On Messi, Son added: "Lionel Messi, wow, probably I'd say he is the GOAT; I can't disagree with this, he's probably the best player." He stressed that comparing the two directly is not straightforward.
“For me, these two are not comparable. Both have left amazing marks and had a huge impact on football,” he said.
How Son Heung-min's Tottenham and LAFC Career Shapes His Messi vs Ronaldo GOAT View
Son spent more than a decade at Tottenham Hotspur, becoming one of the Premier League’s most consistent forwards. He left for Los Angeles FC in 2026, saying the club’s persistence and the level of support for MLS in the United States played a role in his decision.
As South Korea’s captain and a multiple World Cup participant, Son has faced both Messi and Ronaldo during his career. He has also competed at the highest level of European and international football. His experience against both players gives him a personal perspective on the debate.
Son’s admiration for Ronaldo is also linked to the qualities he has shown throughout his career, including his work ethic, fitness and longevity.
At the same time, Son's acknowledgment of Messi aligns with a broader trend among players who recognise the Argentine's World Cup win and consistent team success as decisive factors.
Messi and Ronaldo have met 36 times for club and country, with Messi’s teams winning 16 of those games to Ronaldo’s 11, while nine ended in draws. Messi scored 22 goals in those fixtures, one more than Ronaldo’s 21.
The numbers add another dimension to Son’s view that he “can’t disagree” with Messi being regarded as the greatest of all time.