The GOAT Debate
Messi vs Ronaldo, Jordan vs LeBron
T. G. George
‘SPORT’. AN AGELESS TOPIC OF DISCUSSION that permeates throughout the world, inciting intense arguments with endless means of dissemination. Whether you’re on a talk show, at a family dinner, or even in the barbershop, when sport is mentioned, there is an innate tendency to debate. An inclination derived from the fierce sense of competition that makes sports so tantalising. The most stifling of these sporting conundrums is the eternal endeavour to identify the “GOAT.”
Barbershop debate
A goat. If you are detached from the sporting world, this hoofed mammal seems like a peculiar focus of conversation. Yet it is so much more than a warm-blooded vertebrate. It is a prestigious title acclaimed to the “Greatest of All Time,” a title that evokes one’s illogical biases, and an unfaltering, lifelong dedication to an athlete. A subject matter where your personal belief is irrelevant, as satisfaction is seemingly only achieved when every last soul agrees with you. A case can be made for many athletes in any sport, but I will explore the most contentious debates, igniting further fuel to the fire.
Starting with a classic: Messi vs Ronaldo, the GOAT debate for football. Comically, this article begins with a comparison that hasn’t been a debate for nearly five years, and yet, both parties argue with sheer assertiveness and unrelenting stubbornness. Both players boast monumental achievements, irrefutable accolades, and breathtaking highlights. Ronaldo’s resume is nearly flawless, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, five-time Champions League Winner, 33 overall trophies, and 879 career goals. The list of records is countless, supported by an array of majestic goals and iconic moments. From an outside perspective, when faced with Ronaldo’s legacy, you would think that he is undeniably the greatest. That is, if it weren’t for the little man out of Rosario Argentina. eight-time Ballon d’or winner, 43 trophies, and 825 goals scored. Most importantly – Champion of the World. The undisputed GOAT.
Messi raising the 2022 world cup trophy
Now that the obvious is cleared up, we can delve into a more precarious sporting debate: the GOAT of the NBA. Jordan vs LeBron. Two players that have never stepped foot on the same court, and yet matchup every day. As LeBron’s tenure at top of the NBA continues, his prevalence as the presiding GOAT candidate prospers. He has scored the most points of all time, has the most All-NBA 1st team selections of all time, most playoff games won, as well as 4 MVPs and 4 NBA Championships. 21 years and counting, his longevity is undeniable, as the possibility of playing with his own son looms. His dominance is incomprehensible, with a seemingly never-ending prime, seeing him feature in 8 consecutive NBA finals appearances. And yet that is the glaring point that sows doubt in the minds of NBA fans. He is a serial second place finisher, being 4/10 in NBA finals, even with a Mickey Mouse ring. In comparison, Jordan is six from six in the NBA finals, completing two three-peats, while taking two years off to play baseball in between. Alongside this impressive feat, stands records such as the most Finals MVPs, highest career scoring average and most scoring championships. Yet as a player, Jordan is so much more than his on-paper stats. His demeanour, passion, and competitive spirit, coupled with his mesmerising highlight reel and clutch moments, have completely revolutionised the game of basketball.
LeBron James in 2018
Outside of the comparable statistics, there are even more unique cases that can be made for each player. Many LeBron fans argue that Jordan had a super team, with the likes of Pippen and Rodman to support him throughout his career. Although true, this is quite ironic given that LeBron has shared the court with Dwyane Wade, Anothy Davis, and Kyrie Irving. LeBron fans argue that the level of competition and talent is at its peak, while Jordan fans argue that the 80s and 90s were the most physical and toughest eras of basketball. The list of innocuous rebuttals is extensive and rather futile. They are just often cheap shots aimed at detracting from the greatness of both players. Therefore, my judgement is based upon the significant factors, to which I believe that Jordan is the greatest, because of his perfect finals record, revolutionary effect on basketball, and his per game statistics.