'I was Cristiano Ronaldo's team-mate at Man Utd - I know Lionel Messi's better'

Paul Pogba has made his stance on the GOAT debate between his ex- colleague and crystal clear.

The Frenchman, who first rose through the youth ranks at under , may not win favour with United fans for his opinion. Despite signing a professional contract in 2011, found it challenging to make his mark at Old Trafford, featuring in only three senior games before being let go to on a free transfer the next year.

After scoring 34 goals for the Italian club from 2012 to 2016, United acknowledged their mistake and brought back the now-31-year-old for a then-record-breaking fee of £89.3million. Pogba's second stint in England was somewhat more fruitful, with 39 goals and 48 assists in 230 matches, although he still fell well short of justifying his hefty price tag.

In 2021, Pogba became a team-mate of Ronaldo's during the Portuguese superstar's own comeback to United, playing alongside him under management. However, even this year-long partnership didn't alter his conviction that Argentine wizard Messi is in a league of his own.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

In a recent chat with Twitch streamer IShowSpeed, known for his fervent admiration of Ronaldo, said (via ): "You love Cristiano - I love the style and everything, and some people love Messi because bro. Bro, you see what he's doing? Messi is different."

Commenting on Messi's 5'7" height, Pogba continued: "Bro, you think you can push him and stuff like that. How can a person like this - so small - can do this to people? Right? You agree with me?"

However, when Speed was asked if he concurred with Pogba's viewpoint, he disagreed, leading him to clap back: "Bro because your heart is talking bro. Because you know the fact bro." When pressed to choose between the two football giants, Pogba clarified: "Bro, for me there is not Ronaldo vs Messi. Stop this b******* bro."

He further explained: "Who do I prefer? If I have to make a team - if I need to score goals I would take Cristiano. Really, only to score goals. But if I need a playmaker who can score goals, make assists - bro, I'll take Messi every day." Pogba did, however, give his former team-mate his flowers, acknowledging Ronaldo's unrivalled prowess during the 2007/08 season as he hailed: "Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United, Ballon d'Or season...

"Bro, 2007 to 2008 - this season, when they win the right? Cristiano, what he did on the pitch, there's no one player that did what he done in 2008 I don't think. That was crazy." Pogba once again left United without a transfer fee in 2022, making his way back to Juventus.

He was given a four-year suspension from football in February after a doping violation, but this has since been cut down to just 18 months. Juventus have agreed to part ways with the midfielder at the end of November and as soon as March comes around, the soon-to-be free agent can return to the game since the sanction stretches back to his initial temporary ban from September 2023.

and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our