Manchester City midfielder Rodri has sparked controversy with remarks about Cristiano Ronaldo, asserting that the Portuguese star lacks the natural talent of Lionel Messi. The Spanish international, recovering from knee surgery, shared his thoughts during an appearance on the Spanish TV program El Hormiguero.
Discussing the ongoing debate over the greatest footballer of all time, Rodri sided firmly with Messi, stating, “Lionel Messi is the greatest player of all time, without any doubt. Cristiano has managed to match Messi without innate talent. But those of us who have played against them can see the difference.”
Rodri elaborated on the challenges posed by the two legends, highlighting the distinct threats they present. He noted that with Ronaldo, defenders aim to keep him out of the box due to his deadly precision there, whereas Messi’s danger lies across the entire pitch.
The midfielder also reflected on his recent Ballon d’Or win, an honor he achieved by beating Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior. Recalling the experience, Rodri said he had not expected the award, particularly as rumors suggested Vinicius might win. However, congratulations from others ahead of the gala prompted him to prepare a speech at his father’s insistence.
Rodri’s remarks have ignited a debate among fans, with some interpreting his statements as a critique of Ronaldo’s natural abilities compared to Messi’s.