Alex Iwobi has placed Lionel Messi ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo in the long-running football debate over the sport’s greatest player, drawing on his personal experiences of facing both icons in competitive matches for club and country.

Speaking on the Beast Mode podcast hosted by Adebayo Akinfenwa, the Super Eagles midfielder acknowledged that choosing between the two was far from straightforward but said his encounters with both players shaped his view.

He described his meeting with Ronaldo as can impressive experience, particularly noting the Portuguese forward’s presence and clinical style during the later stages of his career. Iwobi said the former Manchester United forward still carried a strong aura on the pitch and operated with remarkable efficiency in front of goal.

“That’s a tough one. I always say Messi when asked the age-old Messi or Ronaldo question, adding, When I played against Ronaldo. Don’t get me wrong, the aura is crazy.”

He further explained that Ronaldo’s game, during their meetings in the Premier League, was defined by directness and productivity rather than flair, with the forward focused on decisive moments in and around the penalty area.

“When I played Ronaldo, he was at a different stage of his career; he was just efficient, getting the ball and going to score.”

Iwobi has faced Ronaldo on several occasions during matches involving Everton and Manchester United, including a notable Premier League encounter at Goodison Park in October 2022, when he scored a curling effort before Ronaldo came off the bench to net what became his 700th club goal in a 2-1 victory for United.

The pair also met in a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford in November 2021 and again in April 2022, when Everton claimed a crucial win in their relegation battle.

Despite his respect for Ronaldo, Iwobi said his experience against Messi left a deeper impression, particularly during his first Champions League start for Arsenal against Barcelona at Camp Nou in March 2016.

He recalled the overwhelming atmosphere and the presence of Barcelona’s star-studded squad, which included Neymar, Luis Suárez, Andrés Iniesta, Xavi and Dani Alves, as well as the intense expectation surrounding Messi whenever he touched the ball.

“But when I played against Messi at the Nou Camp, there was Messi, Neymar, Suarez, Iniesta, Xavi, Dani Alves, there was just names on names on names. This was my first Champions League start, and I’m walking out, bare fans, and all I’m hearing is Messi, Messi, Messi.”

Iwobi went on to describe Messi’s ability to dominate space and control the rhythm of the game, saying opponents found it almost impossible to challenge him when he was in possession.

“Whereas when I played against Messi, every time he had the ball, there was like a radius around him where no one could enter and tackle him. It was mad; no one could get near him.”

He added that the match, despite ending in defeat, remained one of the most memorable moments of his career due to the experience of facing Barcelona’s attacking trio and the wider context of his Champions League debut.

“I will never forget my Champions League debut, the MSN, Messi, Neymar, Suarez, they all scored. It was the perfect loss for me, I’ve never enjoyed a loss like that.”

Iwobi also faced Messi at international level during Nigeria’s 2-1 defeat to Argentina at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, a match in which Messi scored the opening goal, while Iwobi featured as a late substitute.

Across his career meetings with both players, Iwobi said the contrast in their styles ultimately influenced his preference, with Messi’s presence at Camp Nou leaving the strongest lasting impression in his personal GOAT assessment.