Has the GOAT debate been settled? Lionel Messi’s latest Instagram post seems to indicate that | Follow | Today’s news
Lionel Messi has posted a branded video on Instagram with a message declaring the ‘GOAT debate’ has been settled, days after the Argentina captain announced his retirement from international football.
The post, published on Messi’s official Instagram account on Wednesday, is part of Michelob ULTRA’s advertising campaign called “Tab Closed”. The video uses a long bar receipt to present a summary of Messi’s career in Argentina, with his international achievements listed on the printed ticket.
The ad begins with the bartender about to close the bill. Instead of listing conventional food and drink orders, the receipt records the milestones of Messi’s international career.
The figures included include his 207 appearances and 125 goals for Argentina, records he retired from after announcing his retirement from the national team. The receipt also lists its major international titles, including Copa America 2021, FIFA World Cup 2024 and Copa America 2024.
The ad also references Messi’s World Cup record. He has 21 World Cup goals, 23 match wins and 99 chances created in his six appearances at football’s biggest tournament.
The receipt contains several other descriptions of Messi’s career and impact, including references to breaking records, redefining expectations and inspiring the world. It also includes references to his famous goal against Mexico and the number of fans and opposing supporters who were moved to tears during his career.
“The Goat Debate: Resolved”
The last part of the receipt bears the line “Goat Debate: Resolved”. GOAT stands for Greatest of All Time, a term commonly used in discussions of the greatest football player in history.
Messi has often been compared to Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo. The rivalry became particularly pronounced during their time in La Liga, when Messi played for Barcelona and Ronaldo represented Real Madrid. They have also faced each other in the UEFA Champions League and in international football.
Messi and Ronaldo have faced each other 36 times for club and country. Messi’s teams won 16 of those meetings, while Ronaldo’s teams recorded 11 victories, with the remaining nine matches ending in draws. Messi scored 22 goals in those matches, while Ronaldo scored 21.
At international level, Ronaldo scored 146 goals for Portugal, while Messi finished his Argentine career with 125 goals. Ronaldo also has more international appearances, 233 compared to Messi’s 207.
While Ronaldo has won more UEFA Champions League titles than Messi, one thing the Portuguese star lacked was a FIFA World Cup victory. The 39-year-old Argentine has won the 2022 FIFA World Cup, while the former Manchester United star has failed to do so in the six editions he has played in.
