The Chelsea legend admits he favors Ronaldo over Messi after hearing Garry Neville’s reasons.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have narrated the recent football history through their unique rivalry. The pair have broken almost every record in world football while fighting head to head for the team and individual trophies.
The debate has formed two different camps. Ronaldo’s incredible goal-scoring stats and professionalism has endeared him to many, while others prefer Messi’s other-worldly technical abilities.
Chelsea legend Franck Lampard had stated before that he prefers Messi over Ronaldo. However, in a new interview with Garry Neville, he admitted to changing his mind about the debate.
“You know what, I’ve always been a Messi man… and then I watched your debate with Carra (Jamie Carragher) recently,” he said on Overlap.
“I actually think for what Ronaldo’s output and actual numbers and goals in big finals, and semi-finals like we’ve seen. I think I maybe give him the edge now.
“That’s gonna start a load of hate now.”
Both Ronaldo and Messi moved to new clubs in the summer transfer window. The Portuguese star returned to Old Trafford, while Messi joined PSG after spending 21 years at Barcelona.
Despite Man United’s struggles under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ronaldo has managed to retain his top form this season. The 36-year-old has saved Man United several times with his vital goals while also fulfilling his role as a leader.
Unlike Ronaldo, Messi is yet to find his rhythm at his new club. He has struggled to make an impact at PSG, with a few injury setbacks preventing him from reaching top form. However, moments of brilliance have already shown what Messi is able to achieve with PSG’s star-packed attacking unit.
Garry Neville and Jamie Carragher argued about the Ronaldo vs Messi competition last month.
“So if you think about who is the greatest player of all time, I do think he is the greatest football player who has ever lived,” Neville said on Sky Sports.
“He is the player who could win me a football match in the most different ways. He is the most complete player.”
He added: “There is no doubt that Messi has scored an obscene amount of goals, he is a ridiculous player.
“But Ronaldo, the three big differences are the headers, that Ronaldo has scored four or five times more, the wrong-footed goals, that Ronaldo has scored 30 or 40 per cent more, and he has scored more penalties.
“It just took me to the point where he is more complete.”
Carragher responded by saying: “Two wonderful players. In terms of all the attributes, Ronaldo is a more complete player. He can do things that Messi can’t in terms of his weaker foot and in the air.
“But Messi can take you to a place where you can’t actually believe what you are seeing. What Ronaldo does is what other players can do, Messi can do things you have never seen before.”
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