Mikel Arteta did not hesitate when asked to choose between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in the GOAT debate

When asked who the best footballer of all time was, Mikel Arteta had to choose without hesitation between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The battle between Messi and Ronaldo has divided both footballers and football fans for over a decade, with many willing to die to support the two superstars on the hill.

When it comes to goals, Ronaldo tops the list after recently becoming the first player to score 900 official goals during the last international break.

However, Messi is the clear winner when it comes to the number of Ballon d’Or wins: the former FC Barcelona star has a record-breaking eight wins to his name, compared to Ronaldo’s five.

Both stars are currently in the final stages of their careers, while Ronaldo continues to score goals in Saudi Arabia and Messi puts in impressive performances in the MLS for Inter Miami.

Although both players’ best years are long gone, the debate rages on and Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has a very strong opinion on the matter.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Arteta said: “It was always Messi, I can’t deny that. For me and my three sons it’s exactly the same,” he revealed.

“We were really fortunate to have the opportunity to experience, in my opinion, the greatest player of all time over many years.

“For me it has to be that way, because compared to how much I was Messi and the others, [Cristiano Ronaldo and Pele]the difference is huge,” he added.

Arteta never faced Messi in his playing career, but did face Ronaldo during some legendary matches between Everton and Manchester United.

Mikel Arteta and Cristiano Ronaldo – Getty

The Spaniard is looking to finally break Manchester City’s winning streak this season and his team came agonisingly close to taking a big step in that direction on Sunday.

Arsenal were denied a win at the Etihad Stadium thanks to a 98th-minute equaliser from John Stones, leaving City top of the Premier League with Arteta’s side two points behind in fourth.