"Has an advantage over all the others" - When Roberto Carlos picked between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
Brazil legend Roberto Carlos insisted in 2023 that Cristiano Ronaldo's training regime placed him ahead of Lionel Messi in the GOAT debate. The Portuguese currently plies his trade with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
The Argentinean, meanwhile, is with MLS side Inter Miami. Both football superstars are in the final phase of their illustrious careers, but neither has shown signs of slowing down yet.
CR7 and La Pulga have pushed each other to the limits of excellence for almost two decades. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have divided the world into two, and continue to divide opinion among fans and experts in the GOAT debate.
However, speaking to Pulse Sports in December 2023, Roberto Carlos outlined why he prefers the Portuguese ahead of the Argentinean.
"These days, when you talk about football, you talk about Neymar, Messi, and Ronaldo and for me, Cristiano has worked to improve. I watch him train every day and the way he works is exciting. He wants to improve every day. That's the difference with Messi," said Roberto Carlos.
He continued:
"Leo is a phenomenon, but that side of Cristiano, of training, professionalism, focus, motivation, success... Cristiano has an advantage over all the others."
Interestingly, Cristiano Ronaldo's contract with Al-Nassr expires in under six months. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi has also entered the final year of his contract with Inter Miami.
How many international trophies have Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi won in their career?
Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi have both been quite successful with their respective national teams. CR7 first broke into the Portuguese team in 2003 as an 18-year-old.
Since then, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner has amassed 135 goals and 37 assists from 217 games across competitions. The 39-year-old won the Euro 2016 with his nation and also lifted the UEFA Nations League in 2019.
Lionel Messi, meanwhile, won the FIFA Under-20 World Cup with Argentina in 2005. He also won the Olympic Gold Medal for his nation at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, but success with the senior side eluded him for much of his career.
La Pulga's first trophy with the senior national team was the 2021 Copa America. The following year, the 37-year-old guided his team to a Finalissima triumph.
Later that year, Messi won the Holy Grail of football, the FIFA World Cup. He lifted the Copa America once against last year and has 112 goals and 58 assists from 191 games for his nation.
