Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo both have an abundance of Ballon d’Ors (Image: Getty)
Rodri says that Lionel Messi is superior to Cristiano Ronaldo in the eternal football debate. Since his transfer to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in 2019, Rodri has soared, scooping up four Premier League titles in a row, adding four more domestic trophies to his cabinet, and securing the Champions League.
Rodri has been central to City’s staggering success, evidenced by him clinching the Ballon d’Or this year for his stellar performances. Despite a sterling career so far, the current season has dealt Rodri a harsh blow. A severe ACL injury sustained during a match against Arsenal in September has sidelined him for the rest of the season, negatively impacting City’s performance without him on the field.
While Rodri’s prowess is undeniable, he stands outside the ‘greatest of all time’ discussion centred around Messi and Ronaldo. Yet, Rodri hasn’t hesitated to weigh in on this topic. Speaking to El Hormiguero, a Spanish television show, he made his stance clear, by saying: “I have no doubt, Messi,” before adding: “In the end, I always say it, Cristiano has managed to match Messi in many things, perhaps without the innate talent Leo has,” reports the Mirror.
“Those of us who actually play against them immediately notice the difference. In Cristiano’s case, you didn’t want him to step into the area. When he did, he was lethal. But Messi was dangerous everywhere on the pitch. When Messi got the ball, you’d think ‘danger, something’s going to happen, but I don’t know what’.
“I remember when I started playing against him at 17-18 years old; he would dodge me like a bullfighter if I tried to take the ball from him. Right or left, it didn’t matter. I had a feeling something bad was going to happen.” Over the course of his career, Rodri has locked horns with both superstars several times, seemingly having an easier time with Ronaldo boasting four victories, three stalemates and just three defeats out of ten clashes.
On the flip side, Messi has consistently had the upper hand over Rodri, with the latter only managing one win out of eight confrontations, accompanied by two draws, and being on the losing side five times. At the ripe age of 37, Messi, whose career achievements in football are legendary, continues to defy the sands of time.
Rodri won a Ballon d’Or of his own this year (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Igniting his journey with Barcelona B back in 2003, Messi swiftly ascended to Barcelona’s first team the next year. Across an illustrious span of 18 years gracing the Nou Camp turf, he racked up 672 goals and 303 assists in 708 appearances, clinching 10 La Liga crowns, 14 domestic awards, and a quartet of Champions League triumphs.
Messi transferred to PSG in 2021, spending two years in the French capital before joining Inter Miami in 2023, where he remains under contract until December next year. His illustrious career has seen him win eight Ballon d’Ors.
On the other hand, Ronaldo began his career at Sporting CP before being scouted and signed by Sir Alex Ferguson for Manchester United in 2003. He spent six successful years in the north west, securing three Premier League titles, four domestic cups and a Champions League before transferring to Real Madrid in 2009.
Boasting five Ballon d’Ors, Ronaldo moved to Juventus in 2018, made a triumphant return to Manchester United in 2021, and then signed with Saudi Pro League team Al-Nassr in 2023. Even at 39, he continues to dazzle on the pitch.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1992768/Lionel-Messi-Cristiano-Ronaldo-Rodri-Ballon-dOr