Manchester City midfielder Rodri has ignited heated debates in football circles after asserting that Cristiano Ronaldo lacks the innate talent of Lionel Messi.
The Spaniard made these remarks on Wednesday during an appearance on the Spanish television program El Hormiguero.
Rodri, recovering from knee surgery, delved into the long-standing debate over who is the greatest footballer of all time. Firmly backing Messi, he contrasted the unique challenges posed by the two football icons on the pitch.
“Lionel Messi is the greatest player of all time, without any doubt,” he declared. “Cristiano has managed to match Messi without innate talent. But those of us who have played against them can see the difference.”
Rodri elaborated further, highlighting the specific threats each player presents. “With Cristiano, we didn’t want him to step into the box because he was lethal there. But with Messi, the danger was everywhere on the pitch,” he explained.
In the same interview, Rodri reflected on his recent Ballon d’Or triumph, where he edged out Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior to claim the prestigious award.
“There was a rumour three weeks prior that Vinicius was going to win, so I had no optimism going to the gala,” he recounted.
“But just before arriving in Paris, many people started congratulating me. I didn’t even have a speech prepared, but my father insisted I prepare something just in case.”
Rodri’s remarks have intensified the ever-ongoing debate between supporters of Messi and Ronaldo, showcasing how deeply the rivalry resonates within the football community.
