Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are viewed as two very different characters with Ronaldo far more vocal about his individual achievements – but both have privately fought their corner
Video Unavailable
Maradona, Pele, Messi or Ronaldo – who is football’s greatest player?
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have spent well over a decade sharing the spotlight.
The pair have universally been considered the two best players in the world and have won 11 out of the last 12 Ballon d’Ors.
The two are considered to be quite different personalities, however, with Cristiano Ronaldo the far more vocal and outspoken of the two.
Ronaldo never makes any secret of his desire to be the greatest and his drive for individual accolades.
Whereas the Manchester United star always seems happy to be in the limelight, Messi is generally a more reserved character.
But, in the past week, angry direct messages have been come to light sent by both players which show they might be more similar than they are willing to admit.
It has emerged that both Messi and Ronaldo are willing to take to social media to privately fight their corner when they feel they are not getting the credit they deserve and to argue they are the best in the world.
HAVE YOUR SAY? Who is the better player – Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo? Join the discussion in the comment section.
(
Image:
Harold Cunningham – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Last week, Jamie Carragher revealed on Sky Sports Monday Night Football that he had been contacted by an upset Messi via Instagram.
Carragher explained: “I had a little pop at Ronaldo early in the season. I didn’t think it was a great signing for United. And I said the example of Messi. I didn’t think Messi was a great signing for PSG.
“It was on Monday Night Football and I got a private message on Instagram. From the man himself. I will not be showing private messages, but he basically called me a donkey.”
Now, football valuation website Transfermarkt have revealed that they also received a message from one of the greatest footballers of all-time.
Whilst Messi called out Carragher, it was Ronaldo who got in touch with Transfermarkt via Instagram.
The website valued Ronaldo at £67.5million during his time with Juventus, fourth in Serie A at the time behind Christian Eriksen, Lautaro Martinez and then Juventus team-mate Paulo Dybala.
Despite ranking highest in his age category, Ronaldo was left furious and used social media to privately let them know.
Daniel Busch, Transfermarkt’s UK manager told The Athletic : “We put a list on Instagram with 10 players, 33 and older, and Ronaldo was still in first place in value, but he said he must be worth much more.”
His colleague Christian Schwartz added: “He sent a message first to our social media guys.
“They answered him, explained why, and told him, ‘The people in your age group, you are by far the number one’.
“It was £30-50 million difference (between Ronaldo and the next player on the list), and then he sent some smilies, and then he blocked us.”
It seems that Messi and Ronaldo might be more similar than many believe when they feel their achievements or abilities are being undermined.
Read More
Read More
