TThere’s no doubt that Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo went on to excel in the world of soccer, but they also starred in one of the most famous sporting rivalries in history.
It’s hard to agree on which of the two is the true GOAT of the sport, and their titles, goals and talent are often compared, but a former teammate of the Portuguese player has joined the discussion and made it clear that Cristiano is the favorite.
Patrice Evra reveals why he chose CR7 over Messi
The argument between two football legends has taken a new and unexpected turn. Former Manchester United (2005-2009) CR7 defender and teammate Patrice Evra has reaffirmed his preference for the 41-year-old Portuguese over the Argentine.
The former Senegalese player and now naturalized French citizen has revealed on other occasions that he greatly admires and respects the current Al-Nassr captain, but recently revealed that there is one virtue in Cristiano that sets him apart from Leo and makes him lean towards him.
“Talent is in everyone, but do you have the work ethic?” Evra began via The Telegraph. “Messi fans will hate me if I name Cristiano[Ronaldo]as the greatest of his generation and we shouldn’t compare, but it’s his work ethic,” he added.
The truth is, this discipline that has allowed CR7 to continue playing and performing at a high level at the age of 41 is nothing new. The Portuguese already showed that mentality and work ethic when he shared a dressing room with Evra from 2005 to 2009.
The pair shared the team’s left wing and won eight titles together with Sir Alex Ferguson’s Red Devils, including the UEFA Champions League, three Premier League titles and the 2008 FIFA Club World Cup.
As if that wasn’t enough, Patrice has played against not only the Portuguese but also Lionel many times, which gives his opinion even more weight. He emphasized the great talent of the “10”, but it is precisely this that sets them apart: for Evra, CR7 had to work harder than Lionel. Lionel was “lucky” to be born with a God-given talent for soccer.
Meanwhile, Cristiano, who returned to Al Nasr, scored his 962nd goal in the 22nd round of the Saudi Pro League against Al Fateh. This leaves him 38 goals away from his next challenge, the incredible and unique milestone of 1,000 goals. He will aim to add to this record in the AFC Round of 16 match against FK Al-Khadag on Wednesday, February 18th, or against Al-Hazm on Saturday, February 21st.
Leo, on the other hand, has scored 896 goals (77 with Inter Miami). It was hoped that he would score in a friendly against Independiente del Valle, but his number 10 suffered a strain in his left hamstring and the match was postponed and rescheduled to February 26. But before that, Leo and Inter Miami will kick off the new MLS season on February 21st away at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum against Los Angeles FC.
The truth is that Evra’s confession reopens a new chapter in one of football’s biggest debates: who is better, Messi or Cristiano? But for the former defender, the answer is clear, although the comparison shouldn’t be made.
