Xabi Alonso on Messi vs Ronaldo 2025: A sad and a Happy exciting news for the fans

Xabi Alonso on Messi vs Ronaldo 2025 debate has reignited as Xabi Alonso, soon to succeed Carlo Ancelotti as Real Madrid’s head coach, reaffirmed his stance on the Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo rivalry. Alonso, a former teammate of Ronaldo at Real Madrid, has consistently chosen the Portuguese icon over Messi, citing their shared history and Ronaldo’s exceptional qualities. As Messi dazzles for Inter Miami in MLS and Ronaldo chases 1,000 career goals with Al-Nassr, Alonso’s perspective adds fuel to the GOAT conversation.

Xabi Alonso on Messi vs Ronaldo 2025: Why He Picks Cristiano Over Lionel

Xabi Alonso’s position in the Xabi Alonso on Messi vs Ronaldo 2025 discussion is unequivocal. In a 2014 interview with the Daily Mail, while playing for Bayern Munich, Alonso declared, “Cristiano is the best footballer I have ever played with.” He praised Ronaldo’s 2014 Ballon d’Or win, stating, “If Neuer or another German player had won, it would have been fair—they won the World Cup. But if Cristiano takes it, it’s fair too. He had an incredible season and won the Champions League.” This sentiment was echoed in 2017, post-retirement, when Alonso told Bodegas Beronia, “The best of all time? The usual suspects: Cristiano or Messi. But because he was my teammate, [I pick] Cristiano.”

Alonso’s preference stems from their five seasons together at Real Madrid (2009-14), where they won a Champions League, a La Liga title, two Copa del Rey titles, and a Spanish Super Cup. His firsthand experience with Ronaldo’s work ethic and goal-scoring prowess—450 goals in 438 games for Madrid—shapes his view. Posts on X reflect fan support, with one user stating, “Xabi Alonso picking Ronaldo over Messi makes sense—teammates know CR7’s grind best.”

Ronaldo and Alonso: A Real Madrid Legacy

The Xabi Alonso on Messi vs Ronaldo 2025 narrative is rooted in their shared Real Madrid journey. In 2009, Florentino Perez’s Galacticos project brought Alonso from Liverpool and Ronaldo from Manchester United to chase the elusive 10th Champions League title, “La Décima.” Their partnership flourished, culminating in the 2013-14 season when Real Madrid defeated Atlético Madrid 4-1 in the Champions League final. Ronaldo’s penalty and Alonso’s midfield mastery were pivotal, ending a 12-year European drought for the club.

Together, they also secured a La Liga title in 2011-12 under José Mourinho, outpacing Messi’s Barcelona, and won Copa del Rey titles in 2011 and 2014. Alonso’s role as a deep-lying playmaker complemented Ronaldo’s relentless scoring, with the Portuguese netting 60+ goals in four consecutive seasons (2011-15). Alonso’s admiration for Ronaldo’s ambition was evident in a 2013 UEFA interview: “He’s the most ambitious player I’ve met, with a hunger to score in every game. He’s a complete player.”

Messi vs. Ronaldo: A Statistical Comparison in 2025

To contextualize Xabi Alonso on Messi vs Ronaldo 2025, let’s compare their 2025 performances and career achievements:

Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr, Portugal):
- 2025 Stats: 19 goals in 30 Saudi Pro League games, 39 goals across all competitions in 2024.
- Career Goals: 934, the highest in football history, with 140 Champions League goals (record).
- Trophies: 33, including five Champions Leagues and five Ballon d’Ors (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017).
- Strengths: Aerial dominance, penalty expertise (173 goals), and clutch performances, as seen in his 2024 brace against Al-Hilal.
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, Argentina):
- 2025 Stats: Nine goals in 14 MLS games, contributing every 103 minutes; scored in a 5-0 friendly vs. Olimpia.
- Career Goals: 859, second all-time, with 127 Champions League goals.
- Trophies: 45, including eight Ballon d’Ors (record) and the 2022 World Cup.
- Strengths: Playmaking (350+ assists), dribbling, and efficiency, with a higher seasonal goal average (37.9 vs. Ronaldo’s 35).

Alonso acknowledges Messi’s brilliance, as seen in his 2025 Süddeutsche Zeitung interview comparing Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz to Messi: “Messi is so good because he knows how and when to make the right passes. Florian can do that too.” Yet, his loyalty to Ronaldo, reinforced by their shared triumphs, tips the scale.

Alonso’s Coaching Perspective: Messi’s Influence

As a coach, Alonso’s insights in the Xabi Alonso on Messi vs Ronaldo 2025 debate extend to tactical parallels. Managing Bayer Leverkusen, he led the team to a Bundesliga title in 2023-24, showcasing a possession-based, high-pressing style. His praise for Wirtz’s Messi-like decision-making reflects an appreciation for Messi’s cerebral approach. In a 2024 press conference, Alonso noted, “Messi’s not easy to stop, but we’ll try,” indicating respect for the Argentine’s game-changing ability.

However, Alonso’s preference for Ronaldo aligns with his Real Madrid roots. His upcoming role as Real Madrid’s head coach, starting at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, amplifies the Xabi Alonso on Messi vs Ronaldo 2025 narrative, as he inherits a squad shaped by Ronaldo’s legacy. Fans on X speculate, “Alonso’s Ronaldo bias will fire up Real Madrid’s attack—watch out, Barcelona!”

The Messi-Ronaldo Rivalry in 2025

Xabi Alonso on Messi vs Ronaldo 2025 discussion is part of a broader rivalry that has defined football for two decades. Messi and Ronaldo, now 37 and 40, continue to excel outside Europe. Ronaldo’s pursuit of 1,000 goals, with 934 as of May 2025, keeps him in the spotlight, while Messi’s eight Ballon d’Ors and 2022 World Cup triumph cement his legacy.

Their head-to-head record, spanning 36 El Clasico matches (2009-18), shows Messi with 17 goals and 14 assists to Ronaldo’s 18 goals and five assists, with Barcelona winning 15 games to Madrid’s 11. In 2025, both face new challenges: Messi navigates Inter Miami’s MLS Cup aspirations, while Ronaldo battles for Saudi Pro League glory. Alonso’s choice reflects personal experience, but the debate remains subjective, with fans on X split: “Messi’s World Cup seals it,” vs. “Ronaldo’s goals are unmatched.”

Why Alonso’s Opinion Matters

Alonso’s voice in the Xabi Alonso on Messi vs Ronaldo 2025 debate carries weight due to his credentials. A World Cup winner with Spain (2010) and a two-time Champions League champion, Alonso played alongside Ronaldo and against Messi in high-stakes Clasicos. His 208 appearances with Ronaldo, including 40 goal involvements from Alonso’s passes, give him unique insight. As a coach, his success with Leverkusen—unbeaten in 35 Bundesliga games in 2023-24—lends credibility to his analysis.

Alonso’s bias toward Ronaldo mirrors other Real Madrid legends like Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, who also chose Ronaldo for their shared history. However, his nod to Messi’s greatness, via the Wirtz comparison, shows balance, making his perspective resonate with fans and analysts alike. ESPN’s Gab Marcotti noted, “Alonso’s Ronaldo pick is emotional, not analytical—Messi’s numbers are hard to argue against.”

Impact on Alonso’s Real Madrid Tenure

The Xabi Alonso on Messi vs Ronaldo 2025 narrative will follow him to Real Madrid, where he’ll coach stars like Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Jr., who draw Ronaldo comparisons. His Ronaldo-inspired emphasis on ambition and athleticism could shape Madrid’s attacking philosophy, especially after a trophyless 2024-25 season marked by a 4-3 Clasico loss to Barcelona. Alonso’s challenge is to restore Madrid’s dominance while navigating Messi’s lingering influence, as Barcelona, led by Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, remain La Liga frontrunners.

Watch the video: Ronaldo and Messi are best?? I doubt said..

Conclusion

Xabi Alonso’s stance in the Xabi Alonso on Messi vs Ronaldo 2025 debate—favoring Cristiano Ronaldo over Lionel Messi—reflects his Real Madrid roots and firsthand experience with the Portuguese star. Their shared Champions League and La Liga triumphs, coupled with Ronaldo’s unmatched goal-scoring, anchor Alonso’s choice, though he acknowledges Messi’s brilliance through comparisons like Florian Wirtz. As Alonso prepares to lead Real Madrid, his perspective fuels the GOAT debate, with fans divided over stats, trophies, and legacy. Who do you think is the greatest? Share your thoughts in the comments!

FAQs: Xabi Alonso on Messi vs Ronaldo 2025

What did Xabi Alonso say about Messi vs. Ronaldo?
Alonso consistently picks Ronaldo, citing their time as Real Madrid teammates, calling him “the best footballer I’ve ever played with” in 2014 and reaffirming this in 2017.
Why does Alonso prefer Ronaldo over Messi?
His preference is based on their five seasons together at Real Madrid (2009-14), where they won a Champions League, La Liga, and two Copa del Rey titles.
Does Alonso acknowledge Messi’s greatness?
Yes, he praises Messi’s decision-making, comparing Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz to Messi for his smart play, and includes him among the all-time greats.
How did Alonso and Ronaldo perform together at Real Madrid?
They won La Décima (2013-14 Champions League), a La Liga title (2011-12), two Copa del Rey titles, and a Spanish Super Cup, with Ronaldo scoring 450 goals in 438 games.
What’s the context of Alonso’s 2025 comments?
As he prepares to coach Real Madrid, Alonso’s past statements on Ronaldo and Messi have resurfaced, fueling debate amid their 2025 performances in MLS and Saudi Pro League.
How do fans react to Alonso’s stance?
Fans on X are split, with Ronaldo supporters praising Alonso’s loyalty and Messi fans arguing the World Cup and Ballon d’Ors make Messi the GOAT.