Cristiano Ronaldo’s GOAT Claim Backed by Carlos Alcaraz; Tennis Star Leaves Lionel Messi Out of Top Five

Tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz has thrown his weight behind Cristiano Ronaldo's claim to the title of Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in football, a statement that has stirred the sports world due to the notable absence of Lionel Messi from Alcaraz's top five list of football legends.

Speaking to the press, Alcaraz, who has himself been making waves in the tennis world with his impressive performances, did not hesitate to name Ronaldo as his top pick for the GOAT title. His list of the greatest footballers also included legends like Pelé, Maradona, Cruyff, and Zidane, but conspicuously left out Messi, sparking debates among fans and pundits alike.

Alcaraz's choice to rank Ronaldo above Messi is particularly noteworthy given the ongoing debate between the two football superstars. Ronaldo, currently playing for Al Nassr, and Messi, who recently moved to Inter Miami, have long been pitted against each other in discussions about who is the better player.

The young tennis star's opinion adds a fresh perspective to the GOAT debate, which often sees fans and experts divided along the lines of Ronaldo's athletic prowess and goal-scoring records versus Messi's unparalleled skill and creativity on the pitch.

As Alcaraz continues to rise in the tennis rankings, his foray into football commentary underscores the interconnectedness of sports and the universal appeal of such legendary debates.

• Carlos Alcaraz
• Cristiano Ronaldo
• Lionel Messi