Manchester City’s Rodri has weighed in on the eternal debate of who reigns supreme between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Spanish powerhouse, who has been a pivotal force for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side since his arrival in 2019, has helped the team secure four back-to-back Premier League titles, a quartet of domestic cups, and a much-desired Champions League trophy. Despite his own accolades, including snagging a Ballon d’Or for his stellar performances, Rodri’s current season was cut short by an ACL injury during a match against Arsenal in September, which has seen City’s performance take a hit without him.
While he’s recognized as one of today’s top talents, Rodri doesn’t quite enter the ‘greatest of all time’ conversation that often features Messi and Ronaldo. However, he didn’t hesitate to share his thoughts on the matter during an appearance on the Spanish TV show El Hormiguero.
He said: “I have no doubt, Messi,” and added: “In the end, I always say it, Cristiano has managed to match Messi in many things, perhaps without the innate talent Leo has. 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,” reports the Mirror.
Over his career, Rodri has battled both Ronaldo and Messi on numerous occasions and seems to handle matches against Ronaldo slightly better, with a record consisting of four victories, three stalemates, and three defeats in ten encounters. However, against Messi, Rodri’s track record is less favorable managing just a single victory out of eight, leaving the rest to two draws and five losses.
At age 37, Messi continues to display his football prowess, not showing any signs of hanging up his boots anytime soon. The talent kickstarted his illustrious career with the Barcelona B team back in 2003 and swiftly ascended to the main squad by 2004. Amassing an impressive 18-year tenure at Camp Nou, Messi celebrated 672 goals and provided 303 assists across 708 matches, not to mention capturing 10 La Liga crowns, hoisting 14 domestic trophies, and clinching four Champions League titles.
Messi made a switch to PSG in 2021, spending two years in Paris before joining Inter Miami in 2023. He’s contracted with the MLS club until December of next year. With an impressive eight Ballon d’Ors under his belt, Messi’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary.
On the other hand, Ronaldo began his professional journey with Sporting CP. In 2003, Sir Alex Ferguson brought him to Old Trafford where he spent six successful years, winning three Premier League titles, four domestic cups and a Champions League. In 2009, he transferred to Real Madrid.
Ronaldo, who boasts five Ballon d’Ors, moved to Juventus in 2018, made a sensational return to Manchester United in 2021, and then joined Saudi Pro League team Al-Nassr in 2023. Even at 39, the striker continues to dazzle on the pitch.
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