Cristiano Ronaldo named Marca's greatest player of all time

Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi? it's been a hot topic of debate in schools and workplaces all around the world for many years. However now leading Spanish sports newspaper Marca may have cracked the code.

During the coronavirus lockdown 400,000 votes were cast on a poll and with 54% of the vote the Portuguese superstar beat Messi as Marca's Greatest player of all time.

Over the last couple of days it has been played in a tournament style with Cristiano Ronaldo knocking out Paulo Maldini, his former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane and and Messi's fellow Argentine Diego Maradona on the way to become the Champion.

Messi's road to the final saw him get past Ferenc Puskas, Alfredo Di Stefano and Ronaldo's fellow countryman Eusebio.

It was then revealed 246,000 people registered votes for Ronaldo compared to 209,000 for 6 time Ballon d'Or winner Messi.

Ronaldo was also named Marca sporting legend of the year in 2019 and his captained his country to the Euro 2016 title as well as having an abundance of success at club level including winning 5 Champions League trophies.

There was also a third/fourth playoff that saw Ronaldo Nazario defeat Diego Maradona with 51% of the vote.

It comes on the week that both Ronaldo and Messi have both agreed to take a wage cut at their respective clubs Juventus and Barcelona due to the ongoing Coronavirus crisis.

Juventus, who have already had three players test positive for Coronavirus in the form of Paulo Dybala, Daniele Rugani and Blaise Matuidi, have agreed to waive four months wages to help the clubs finances during the lockdown.

As for Barcelona they announced that they have taken a 70% cut and make an extra contribution on top so that the club's other employees can earn their full salaries.