I'd have both Pele, Maradona, Messi and Ronaldo in my top tier of GOAT too, and agree any ranking among the 4 is more of a matter of preference / based opinion. All four of them of could have a strong claim on their own:
Pele - Most decorated player ever, with "3" WC and "1000+" goals. His footballing is ahead of his time, with a well mix of athleticism, skills and productivity. No one clicks more box than him when we are setting any criteria for GOAT - be it WC success, club success, trophies won or indivudual stats etc. He is biggest football icon in history.
Maradona - 86 WC will be forever remembered as the absolute highest peak a footballer could ever reach. 2 Serie A titles with Napoli in mid late 80s is also legendary. Probably the best ever dribbler/playmaker too, and probably the only player ever who is capable of carrying the team on his own at the highest level to dominate the biggest competition and winning the biggest trophy.
Messi - 6 times Ballon D'or winner, probably won more motm out of any players out there, and probably the most consistence performer of all time, who is also among the most elite goalscorer, dribbler and playmaker of all time. If we choose the best ever player in terms of performance, productivity and consistency, Messi would probably be ahead of everyone else.
Ronaldo - 5 times CL winner and 5 times Ballon D'or winner, holding all time record of most career goal, most CL goal and most international goal. Revolutionise inverted wing forward role as main goalscorer. Probably the most clutch player ever and best winner in modern time, with unmatched longevity, and greatest mentality out of all footballers.