Newly crowned Ballon d’Or winner Rodri has stirred up controversy with his recent comments on the long-standing debate over who is the greatest of all time (GOAT) between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
The Manchester City midfielder, currently recovering from a season-ending injury, appeared to favour Messi over the Al-Nassr star, leading to a wave of backlash from fans.
Rodri’s Controversial Remarks
During an interview on the Spanish talk show El Hormiguero, Rodri made headlines by stating, “Lionel Messi is the greatest player of all time, without a doubt.”
He went on to claim that Ronaldo has managed to reach similar heights but lacks the “natural talent” that Messi possesses.
His comments did not sit well with many fans, particularly those who support Ronaldo.
Rodri elaborated on his perspective, explaining, “We didn’t want Cristiano to step into the box because he was lethal there. But with Messi, the danger was everywhere on the pitch.”
This assertion has drawn sharp criticism from Ronaldo supporters, who feel that Rodri’s remarks undermine the Portuguese legend’s accomplishments.
Fan Reactions
Social media erupted with reactions to Rodri’s statements, with many fans expressing their discontent.
Comments ranged from disbelief to outright anger:
- @47kasz tweeted: “Without any natural talent??? Rodri is foolish.”
- @Wesdinho_ remarked: “There is no amount of work that you will put in that will give you Ronaldo numbers without huge talent. Stop trying to change history.”
- @jokerslifee added: “Fair to say, bro has been noisy since he stole this Ballon d’Or.”
- @hajjball criticized: “What a fool. Ronaldo having no natural talent is the biggest myth in football that kids believe.”
- @the_smallie stated: “If Ronaldo stopped playing football 10 years ago, Rodri won’t still achieve half of what Ronaldo achieved. The disrespect is just too much.”
The Ongoing GOAT Debate
The debate over who holds the title of the greatest footballer has persisted for years and shows no signs of abating.
Both Messi and Ronaldo have enjoyed illustrious careers filled with record-breaking achievements and numerous trophies.
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Messi’s recent World Cup victory in 2022 has given him an edge in many discussions, although Ronaldo’s fans remain steadfast in their support.
Rodri’s comments have reignited this age-old debate, prompting discussions about talent versus hard work and the impact each player has had on the game.
As both players continue to make headlines even in their later years, it seems that this debate will endure for generations to come.
While Rodri’s perspective may resonate with some fans, it has undoubtedly sparked a fierce backlash among others.
The GOAT debate remains one of football’s most contentious topics, and as long as both Messi and Ronaldo are active in the sport, discussions about their legacies will continue.
Source: MSN