A simple question from the UEFA Champions League social media team has once again highlighted the enduring divide between two of the greatest players the competition has ever seen.

Stars from across Europe were asked which player immediately comes to mind when they hear the name "Champions League," and the answers were both revealing and reflective of the era shaped by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. A strong group of current elite players associated the competition with Ronaldo.

Manchester City's Erling Haaland, Arsenal's Bukayo Saka, Liverpool's Florian Wirtz, Marseille's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Inter Milan's Marcus Thuram, Tottenham Hotspur's Richarlison, Arsenal striker Viktor Gyökeres and Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai all named the Portuguese icon as the face of the Champions League. Their choices echoed Ronaldo's long-standing reputation as "Mr. Champions League," built on years of record-breaking performances on Europe's biggest stage.

Messi's team

Others leaned toward Messi when asked the same question. Atlético de Madrid's Julián Álvarez, Galatasaray striker Mauro Icardi, Tottenham's Mohammed Kudus, Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister, Manchester City winger Jérémy Doku, AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders and Inter Milan defenders Denzel Dumfries and Federico Dimarco all pointed to the Argentine as the player they most associate with the competition.

The split response naturally reignited the familiar debate over who truly defined the Champions League. From a statistical standpoint, Ronaldo owns the edge in overall production and silverware. He holds the all-time records for goals with 140, assists with 42 and appearances in finals, while also winning five Champions League titles.

His 67 knockout-stage goals remain the most in the history of the tournament, underscoring his reputation for delivering in decisive moments. Messi's Champions League résumé is nearly as impressive, albeit defined by efficiency rather than volume.

The numbers speak for themselves?

The Argentine scored 129 goals in 163 appearances, giving him a higher goals-per-game average than Ronaldo. He also won four Champions League titles and matched Cristiano with eight hat tricks in the competition.

Messi's consistency is highlighted by his record of scoring in 16 consecutive Champions League seasons, along with his superior minutes-per-goal mark. While Ronaldo's numbers and clutch performances in knockout rounds have cemented his legacy as the competition's most prolific figure, Messi's efficiency, playmaking and sustained excellence make his case just as compelling.

The reactions from today's stars suggest that the Champions League identity remains split between the two legends, a reflection of an era that may never be matched again.