Rodri has claimed that Lionel Messi is a better footballer than Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Spanish player has made a name for himself since joining Pep Guardiola's Manchester City in 2019, winning four consecutive Premier League titles, four domestic trophies and a coveted Champions League for the Sky Blues. A hard-hitting defensive midfielder, the 28-year-old has been integral to City's incredible form since joining the Etihad elite. He even won a Ballon d'Or this year thanks to his remarkable performances on the pitch.
However, the 2024/25 Premier League season was not the kindest for Rodri. The footballer suffered an ACL injury during the 2-2 draw with Arsenal in September, with City's form declining due to his absence. And while many football fans will consider Rodri to be one of the brightest talents at the moment, he remains far from the 'greatest of all time' debate over Messi and Ronaldo.
No stranger to throwing his own opinion in the hat, Rodri recently told Spanish TV show El Hormiguero who he thinks is the better of the Argentine great and the Portuguese phenomenon, explaining: “I have no doubt about it, Messi”, adding: “In the end I always say it: Cristiano has managed to match Messi in many things, perhaps without the innate talent that Leo has.”
He continued: “Those of us who actually play against them notice the difference immediately. In Cristiano's case, you didn't want him to enter the area. When he did, he was deadly. But Messi was dangerous everywhere on the pitch. ” If Messi got the ball you would think 'danger, something is going to happen, but I don't know what'.
“I remember when I started playing against him at the age of 17-18; he would avoid me like a bullfighter when I tried to take the ball from him. Right or left, it didn't matter. I felt like something bad was going to happen.” Although Rodri has faced both men several times over the course of his career, he has seemingly always fared better against Ronaldo, recording four wins, three draws and three defeats in ten matches.
Meanwhile, facing Messi, Rodri has managed just one win in eight meetings, settling for two draws and five defeats. Messi has had a highly decorated career in football, and at the age of 37, he shows no signs of slowing down.
The Argentine started his career with Barcelona B in 2003, before being called up to the first team the following year. He played a total of 18 years of professional football at Camp Nou, scoring 672 goals and providing 303 assists in 708 matches and winning 10 La Liga titles, 14 domestic cups and four Champions Leagues.
He moved to PSG in 2021 and spent two years in the French capital before signing for Inter Miami in 2023, where he is under contract until December next year. Thanks to his remarkable performances, Messi has achieved eight Ballon d'Ors in his career.
Ronaldo, meanwhile, spent his formative years at Sporting CP before being snapped up and brought to Old Trafford by Sir Alex Ferguson in 2003. CR7 spent six years in the North West, winning three Premier League titles, four domestic cups and a Champions League, before moving to Real Madrid in 2009.
With five Ballon d'Ors to his name, Ronaldo moved to Juventus in 2018, returned to Manchester United in 2021 and joined Saudi Pro League team Al-Nassr in 2023, where he continues to impress at the age of 39 makes.
Comments