Former Super Eagles captain Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha has picked Argentina captain Lionel Messi ahead of Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo in the long-running debate over who is the better footballer.

The Nigerian football legend made his preference known during an interview on the ObiOne Podcast hosted by former Super Eagles midfielder John Obi Mikel.

Okocha, who enjoyed a distinguished career in Europe, acknowledged Ronaldo’s exceptional qualities but said Messi stands apart because of his natural talent and relationship with the game.

Okocha chooses Messi over Ronaldo

When asked to choose between Messi and Ronaldo, Okocha immediately selected the Argentina captain.

“Messi for me. Ronaldo is special, but he’s a goalscorer like Haaland,” he said.

Okocha’s assessment was based largely on what he considers Messi’s natural ability and technical qualities rather than simply his goalscoring record.

The former Bolton Wanderers midfielder has been recognised throughout his career for his creativity, flair and technical ability, and his preference for Messi reflects his appreciation of players who can influence matches through skill, vision and technique.

‘Messi is on another planet’

Okocha went further in describing the Argentine’s unique qualities, saying Messi operates at a level beyond ordinary footballers.

“Messi is on another planet. He was born to play football. I think Messi would get ill if he didn’t play football,” Okocha said.

The former Nigeria captain’s comments emphasised his belief that football comes naturally to Messi and that the Argentine’s ability is fundamentally different from that of most players.

Messi has been widely praised throughout his career for his close control, dribbling, passing, creativity and ability to score from a variety of positions.

Okocha praises Ronaldo

Although he selected Messi, Okocha did not dismiss Ronaldo’s achievements or ability.

He described the Portugal captain as a special player and acknowledged his outstanding goalscoring qualities.

Ronaldo has built his career around remarkable athleticism, movement, finishing and consistency in front of goal.

Okocha’s comparison with Manchester City striker Erling Haaland appeared to focus on Ronaldo’s reputation as an elite goalscorer, particularly his ability to consistently find the net throughout his career.

Messi and Ronaldo’s historic rivalry

Messi and Ronaldo have dominated discussions about the greatest footballer of their generation for more than a decade.

Their rivalry intensified during their respective spells at Barcelona and Real Madrid, where they repeatedly competed for individual awards, domestic honours and European titles.

The pair also produced remarkable goalscoring numbers, setting numerous records and establishing themselves among the most influential players in football history.

Their individual rivalry helped shape an era in which fans and analysts regularly compared their performances, playing styles and achievements.

13 Ballon d’Or awards between them

Messi and Ronaldo have won 13 Ballon d’Or awards between them, further highlighting their extraordinary dominance at the highest level.

Messi has won the prestigious individual award more times, while Ronaldo remains one of its most successful recipients.

Both players have also won major domestic and international trophies and produced memorable performances throughout their careers.

Messi has enjoyed significant success with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Argentina, while Ronaldo has won major honours with clubs including Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus, in addition to his achievements with Portugal.

Okocha makes his choice

Despite Ronaldo’s remarkable career and status as one of the greatest goalscorers in football history, Okocha believes Messi’s natural ability gives him the edge.

His comments add another high-profile opinion to the enduring Messi-Ronaldo debate, which continues to divide football fans around the world.

For Okocha, the deciding factor is not simply the number of goals or trophies but Messi’s extraordinary talent and apparent natural connection with football.