Gareth Bale has changed his mind again on the Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi GOAT debate

Gareth Bale has appeared to change his mind again on the Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi GOAT debate.

Former Wales international Bale played with Ronaldo during his time at Spanish La Liga side Real Madrid.

During his time in Spain, he was asked who was the better all-round player between Ronaldo and Messi, he said at the time: “For me, personally, I’d say Ronaldo (is a more complete player). He’s got the whole package. He’s strong, he’s powerful, he’s pacey, can head the ball, strike the ball. Obviously, you can’t say anything bad about Messi, but for the all-round complete footballer, I’d say Cristiano Ronaldo.”

However, ahead of last year’s Champions League final, Bale was asked: “(who is) the best player to have ever won the UEFA Champions League?”

The Welshman replied: “Err, Messi.”

Now, ahead of this year’s Champions League final between Borussia Dortmund and Madrid at Wembley, London, Bale was tasked by TNT Sports to pick his ultimate GOAT of the competition.

In the first round, Bale picked Karim Benzema over Zinedine Zidane, himself over Gigi Buffon, Ronaldo ahead of Steven Gerrard, Lionel Messi over Kaka, Xavi instead of Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos ahead of Iker Casillas, Luka Modric over Andres Iniesta and Toni Kroos ahead of Robert Lewandowski.

With only eight players remaining, Bale again picked himself as he eliminated Benzema. After that, the 34-year-old was faced with the difficult task of picking between Ronaldo and Messi.

And contrary to what he said last year, Bale picked Ronaldo ahead of the Argentine this time round.

Eventually, the final was between Bale and Modric and the former forward picked himself as the ultimate GOAT of the Champions League.

During his time with Madrid, Bale got his hands on five Champions League trophies and scored one of the best final goals of all time with a stunning overhead kick against Liverpool in 2018.