The debates related to Ronaldo and Messi, two superstars of the football world, never end. Recently, the 2024 Golden Ball winner Rodri made comments from the perspective of someone who has faced both stars on the field.
Rodri points out the biggest difference between Ronaldo and Messi (Photo: Goal)
In an interview with El Hormiguero, Rodri said: “Lionel Messi is the best player of all time, there is no doubt about that. Ronaldo has worked very hard to be on par with Messi despite not having natural talent. But from having faced both of them, I can see the difference.”
“We never wanted to let Ronaldo into the box because he was dangerous there. But with Messi, danger comes from wherever he gets the ball on the pitch. The first time I played against Messi, I tried to get the ball. He dribbled and you were like a bull running around the arena. I felt like something bad was going to happen.”
Rodri played in La Liga for Villareal (2015-2018) and Atletico Madrid (2018-2019). Moving to Man City in the summer of 2019, Rodri quickly proved his ability as a holding midfielder.
Rodri is considered a particularly important name in the tactical operation of coach Pep Guardiola, with the role of connecting the defense with the attack line of Man City.
Rodri is the latest player to win the Ballon d’Or award. The Spanish midfielder becomes the first Premier League player to win the award since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008.
Rodri points out why Messi is much better than Ronaldo
This year’s race marks a historic turn as for the first time since 2003, neither Messi nor Ronaldo are in the top 30. These two legends have dominated football for the past two decades, with Ronaldo winning five Ballons d’Or and Messi eight.
Rodri has faced both Ronaldo and Messi in his career while playing in La Liga. Speaking in an interview with El Hormiguero, the Spanish midfielder said:
“Lionel Messi is the greatest player of all time. Cristiano has managed to match Messi without having the natural talent. But players who have played against both of them can see the difference. We don’t want Cristiano to go into the box because he is very dangerous there. But with Messi, danger is everywhere on the pitch.
When Messi gets the ball, you think: ‘Oh, dangerous’. When I faced him for the first time, I tried to take the ball from him. And he avoided you like you were a bull in the ring. The feeling I had was that something bad was about to happen.”
Rodri has suffered an ACL injury and is out for the rest of the season. The Spaniard’s injury has caused Man City real trouble, as the reigning Premier League champions have suffered four consecutive defeats.
