Real Madrid-bound Brazilian rising star Endrick Felipe has dived into the enduring debate about the greatest footballer between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Endrick, who earned his first call-up to the Brazilian national team at 17 due to standout performances with Palmeiras, willingly engaged in the divisive discussion that continues to split footballers, fans, and pundits
Despite awaiting his move to Santiago Bernabeu next summer, the young talent is already experiencing top-tier football with Brazil.
His international debut occurred as the Selecaosuffered an unexpected 2-1 loss against Colombia in the recent 2026 World Cup qualifier
Ronaldo or Messi? Endrick picks his GOAT
Looking forward to Brazil’s much-anticipated encounter with Argentina in the qualifiers, Endrick openly admitted his preference for Ronaldo over his age-old adversary.
This choice comes despite Messi’s accumulation of eight Ballon d’Or awards and a World Cup title during his time with former clubs Barcelona and PSG.
“About Messi, it’s phenomenal. Very good, best in the world again,” the Palmeiras star told a press conference as quoted by GOAL.
“I just want to enjoy the moment of being able to play against him, being in the same stadium as him, looking at him up close. I only saw him in the video game.
“Messi is a great player, but I’m more of a fan of Cristiano Ronaldo. Now I’m seeing Messi up close. It’s going to be wonderful.”
How fans reacted to Endrick’s choice
One fan, @ReyesDeUniverso wrote:
“This is why he’s destined for greatness and joining Real Madrid, ditching Barcelona.”
Another user, @RidhaYahiya, suggested Brazilians have a soft spot for Cristiano Ronaldo:
“Most Brazilian players love it, and this is confirmed by their celebration when scoring goals.”
@Ademo_la added:
“He knows the real GOAT! Wow. Wonder kid. Cristiano Ronaldo.”
@dxmiszn touted Ronaldo’s greatness over his archrival:
“All the youngsters who are actually talented are always picking Ronaldo; only Barcelona youngsters idolize Messi, which says a lot.”
Endrick tipped to surpass Ronaldo
Kimbiblog sports additionally covered insights on the incoming Real Madrid talent, Endrick, drawing parallels to Ronaldo Nazario’s mindset, as per his former youth coach at Palmeiras, Paulo Victor.
The coach expressed confidence in his former protege’s potential to thrive at La Liga’s prestigious club, highlighting the young forward’s attributes that might propel him to surpass the legacy of his illustrious compatriot.