Why Dallas Mavericks Great Dirk Nowitzki Prefers Lionel Messi Over Cristiano Ronaldo in GOAT Debate

Speaking in the latest episode of Kickin’ It on Paramount+, Nowitzki admitted he’s a “Messi guy” when asked about the soccer GOAT debate between the current Inter Miami star and Ronaldo. The two were heated rivals in La Liga as their former teams, Barcelona and Real Madrid, often fight for the top-flight title.

Nowitzki, however, made sure to point out that the reason he chose Messi over Ronaldo is because he can relate more to the former compared to the latter. While Ronaldo is flashy and often wants attention, Messi–much like Nowitzki throughout his NBA career–is more “low key.”

“I know that’s a heated one for everyone … I’m a Messi guy. How he carries himself, how he plays, super quick and fast. Ronaldo, to me, with the shirt off, ‘Hey, look at me’, it’s just not my style. Messi, to me, is way more low key and I can identify more with that but I don’t want to take anything away from Ronaldo; this is just a personal opinion,” Nowitzki said, via CBS Sports.

Nowitzki certainly couldn’t have said it any better. As he mentioned, it’s only a matter of preference to him. He didn’t put one over the other by discrediting what they accomplished. And sure enough, we can be satisfied with that.

While plenty of fans would bring down one just to uplift the other, Nowitzki just isn’t doing that. He’s one of the most humble superstars to ever step foot on the NBA hardwood, and even after retirement, he remains the same.

How About the Luka Doncic vs. Dirk Nowitzki Dallas Mavericks GOAT Debate?

Now, while Dirk Nowitzki has already shared his two cents on the football GOAT debate. Many still couldn’t help but ponder about his stance on the Dallas Mavericks GOAT debate.

For a long time, many consider him as the greatest Maverick ever. But with Luka Doncic’s emergence, Nowitzki’s status is definitely in peril.

Nowitzki was recently asked about it and only laughed it off. He even joked about Mark Cuban saying that he himself would admit Doncic is better, trolling the Dallas boss and saying he doesn’t know basketball.

But for many Dallas faithful, until Doncic wins a championship in Dallas, there will be no conversation about the greatest player in the team’s history.