Rodri issues a forceful response to the debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Rodri issues a forceful response to the debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.Rodri, the midfielder for Manchester City, has expressed his strong preference for the Argentine forward in the ongoing debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

 

Rodri was controversially awarded the title of the world’s greatest male player at the Ballon d’Or ceremony this year, surpassing Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid. For the first time in 21 years, the Spanish European champion emerged as the top nominee on a list that did not include Messi or Ronaldo.

 

The duo are widely regarded as two of the finest players of all time and have collectively won 13 Ballon d’Or crowns. The Messi-Ronaldo debate has persisted for over a decade, but Rodri has reached a conclusion. “I am certain, Messi,” Rodri stated during an appearance on El Hormiguero on Antenna.

 

“I always say that Cristiano has managed to match Messi in many things, perhaps without the innate talent that Leo has, but those of us who really play against them quickly realise the difference.”

When Rodri was an adolescent at Villarreal, he first encountered the legendary duo.

 

 

Within ten minutes of his initial encounter with the Spanish midfielder, Messi tallied the first of seven goals in eight meetings. In the 2018/19 Champions League knockout stages, Ronaldo scored a memorable hat-trick for Juventus against an Atletico Madrid team that included Rodri.

 

 

“Cristiano, for example, what you didn’t want him to do was step into the box, because when he did step into the box he was lethal,” Rodri emphasised.

 

 

“However, Messi was lethal from all angles of the pitch.” The ball was delivered to him, and you were aware that something untoward was about to transpire. You were uncertain as to what, but you were certain that something untoward was about to occur.

 

 

So I recall when I first began playing against him, at the age of 17 or 18, I would attempt to take the ball from him, and he would react by sidestepping a heifer like a bullfighter. While accepting his honour, Rodri conveyed a sincere message to his Spanish compatriot, Dani Carvajal.

 

The Euro 2024 Player of the Tournament also praised the future potential of Lamine Yamal and the past impact of Andres Iniesta, who became the first Spanish man to win the Ballon d’Or since Luis Suarez in 1960. Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati have received the last four Ballons d’Or Feminin.

 

Rodri remarked that Spain had seen one of the most remarkable eras in football history, encompassing both the national team and the Spanish league, despite having just one Ballon d’Or, which he found to be an intriguing fact.

 

“The golden generation we possessed was unable to secure victory, prompting me to pay homage to it, as I genuinely believe many of its members are superior players compared to myself, yet they lack the accolade at home, having competed alongside two extraordinary talents like Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.”