Ballon d’Or winner Rodri gives verdict on Messi vs Ronaldo GOAT debate

The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner was asked about the ongoing debate over the Argentine and Portuguese legends.

One of the defining moments of 2024 was the Ballon d'Or ceremony, where Rodri Hernández was crowned the best footballer in the world for his outstanding performances in the previous season. Now, the Manchester City midfielder and Spanish international is making headlines again during his media tour, where he opened up about his career, personal decisions in football and what it feels like to receive the sport's most prestigious individual honour.

During an appearance on the popular Spanish talk show El Hormiguero, Rodri did not hesitate when asked to name the most impactful footballer of all time. His answer? “There's no doubt about it: Messi,” he said. “Cristiano has managed to match him in many aspects, perhaps without the innate talent that Leo has.

“Those of us who have played against them can tell the difference immediately.”

Rodri's view: Messi versus Cristiano

Rodri explained his choice and described the unique challenges each superstar faces on the pitch. “With Cristiano, the only thing you didn't want was for him to enter the box. If he got in there, it was fatal,” Rodri explained. “But Messi? He was a threat everywhere. The ball would reach him and you'd think, 'Danger. Something's going to happen. I don't know what, but something will happen.'”

The midfielder also shared his early memories of playing against Messi as a teenager. “I remember when I first faced him when I was seventeen or eighteen. I thought I could take the ball from him – no chance. He just did his signature right-left dribble, and it didn't matter what you tried.”

The verdict of a Pep Guardiola protégé

Currently sidelined due to a knee injury, Rodri remains one of Manchester City's most crucial players in the Premier League under Pep Guardiola. His comments place him in a long list of players who have publicly favored the legendary FC Barcelona and Argentina star over Real Madrid's all-time top scorer and Portugal's captain.