Just when we thought the “Messi vs. Ronaldo” debate had nothing left to give, former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe dropped an analogy this week that has the entire internet nodding in agreement.
In a viral interview, Pepe didn’t use stats or trophies to settle the argument. Instead, he used anime. specifically, Dragon Ball Z.
His take? “Cristiano Ronaldo is Vegeta. Lionel Messi is Goku.”
It sounds funny at first, but when you actually break it down, it might be the most accurate description of the rivalry we have ever heard. Here is why the “Saiyan Analogy” makes perfect sense in 2025.
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1. Vegeta vs. Goku: The Hard Work vs. The Natural
If you grew up watching DBZ, you know the dynamic:
- Vegeta (Ronaldo): The Prince. He works harder than anyone in the universe. He trains in 100x gravity. He is obsessed with being the best. But no matter how hard he trains, he is always just one step behind.
- Goku (Messi): The Prodigy. He loves the fight, but he doesn’t have the same chip on his shoulder. He is naturally gifted, often goofy, and somehow always finds a new level of power (Super Saiyan) right when it matters most, without seemingly trying as hard.
As Pepe put it in his interview: “Vegeta always talked like that [about being the best], and who never talked? Goku. Ronaldo has that same frustration that Messi is always ahead of him.”
2. The 2025 Reality Check
Even at age 40 and 38, the two Saiyans are still powering up.
- The “Vegeta” Grind: Cristiano Ronaldo, now 40, is still refusing to quit. Playing for Al-Nassr, he has already netted 10 goals in the 2025/26 season and is furiously chasing his 1,000th career goal. Like Vegeta, his drive is fueled by sheer willpower and an obsession with numbers.
- The “Goku” Magic: Lionel Messi, meanwhile, is just having fun. He just led Inter Miami to their first-ever MLS Cup victory last week, signed a contract extension until 2028, and is sitting on a pile of 48 major trophies. Like Goku, he seems to be fighting for the joy of it, not the stats.
3. Why We Need Both
The beauty of Dragon Ball Z wasn’t just Goku; it was the rivalry. Goku needed Vegeta to push him, and Vegeta needed Goku to chase.
Football has been the same for the last 20 years. If you value blood, sweat, and obsession, Ronaldo is your GOAT. He proves that hard work can almost beat genius. If you value pure, God-given magic, Messi is your GOAT. He proves that some things can’t be taught.
Nicolas Pepe might have been an average player for Arsenal, but his anime analysis is world-class.
Are you Team Vegeta (Ronaldo) or Team Goku (Messi)? Let me know in the comments!