• Manchester City midfielder Rodri shared his thoughts on the difference between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi
• The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner’s remarks highlight the technical nuances of facing two of football’s best players.
• Meanwhile, Rodri will be honored by his club following his Ballon d’Or success against Vinicius Junior last month.

2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodrigo Hernandez Cascante, simply known as Rodri, has offered his take on the eternal debate surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

The Spaniard, revered for his mastery of the midfield, immersed himself in the contrasting styles of the two legends, often hailed as the greatest in football history.

Reflecting on his La Liga tenure with Villarreal and Atletico MadridRodri recalled the daunting challenge of neutralizing Ronaldo and Messi during their early years at Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Both players, relentless in their quest for goals, tested the courage of the defenders week after week.

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Exposing their differences in an interview with El Hormiguero via AIMthe 28-year-old said:

“Lionel Messi is without a doubt the greatest player of all time. Cristiano managed to match Messi without innate talent.

“But those of us who have played against them can see the difference. We didn’t want Cristiano to enter the box because he was deadly there. But with Messi, danger was everywhere on the pitch. »

The Ronaldo vs. Messi rivalry

For nearly two decades, Ronaldo and Messi have captivated fans with an unprecedented rivalry.

Between them, they have won an incredible 13 Ballon d’Or titles: Ronaldo with five and Messi with a record eight.

Ronaldo’s precision in the penalty area, combined with his athleticism and finishing prowess, made him a nightmare for defenders in tight spaces.

Conversely, Messi’s unpredictability and ability to influence the game from anywhere required constant vigilance, as he turned even the smallest openings into opportunities.

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Rodri will be honored

THE Manchester City The talisman’s Ballon d’Or triumph will be marked with a big celebration at the Etihad Stadium ahead of their clash with Tottenham this Saturday, according to the the club’s official website.

Rodri explains why he deserves the Ballon d’Or

Earlier, In brief News reported that Rodri confidently explained why he deserved to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or.

The 28-year-old won football’s most prestigious individual award after an exceptional season for club and country.

While some claim Vinicius was unfairly snubbed, Rodri defended his triumph, citing his consistent performances and key contributions to his team’s success.

Source: YEN.com.gh