There is no doubt that Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have marked a before and after in soccer, but they have also starred in one of the most prominent sporting rivalries in history.
Although it is difficult to agree on which of the two is the true GOAT of the sport, and their titles, goals, and talent are often compared, a former teammate of the Portuguese player has joined the debate and is clear about his favorite: Cristiano.
Patrice Evra reveals why he chooses CR7 over Messi
The debate between the two soccer legends has taken a new and unexpected turn. Former defender and teammate of CR7 at Manchester United (2005-2009), Patrice Evra, has reaffirmed his preference for the 41-year-old Portuguese player over the Argentine.
The former Senegalese player, now a naturalized French citizen, has revealed on other occasions that he has great admiration and respect for the current Al Nassr captain, but he recently revealed that there is one of Cristiano’s virtues that sets him apart from Leo and makes him lean towards him:
“Anyone can have talent, but do you have the work ethic?” Evra began via the Telegraph. “Messi fans hate me when I pick Cristiano [Ronaldo as the greatest of his generation]-and we shouldn’t compare them-but it is his work ethic,” he added.
The truth is that this discipline, which has allowed CR7 to continue playing and performing at a high level at 41, is not new. When Evra and he shared a locker room between 2005 and 2009, the Portuguese player was already demonstrating his mentality and work ethic.
The two shared the left wing of the team and together won eight titles for the Red Devils under Sir Alex Ferguson, including a UEFA Champions League, three Premier League titles, and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2008.
As if that weren’t enough, Patrice has faced the Portuguese player on numerous occasions, but also Lionel, so his opinion carries even more weight when this aspect is taken into account. While he has highlighted the great talent of the ’10’, what sets them apart is precisely that: for Evra, CR7 had to work harder than Lionel, who was ‘lucky’ to be born with this God-given gift for soccer.
Meanwhile, on his return to Al Nassr, Cristiano scored his 962nd goal in matchday 22 of the Saudi Pro League against Al Fateh. This leaves him just 38 goals away from the incredible and unique milestone of 1,000, his next challenge. He will look to add to this tally in the AFC round of 16 against FK Arkadag on Wednesday, February 18, or on Saturday, February 21, against Al-Hazm.
Leo, meanwhile, has scored 896 goals (77 with Inter Miami). He was expected to score in the friendly against Independiente del Valle, but the number 10 suffered a strained left hamstring and the match was postponed and rescheduled for February 26. However, before that, Leo and Inter Miami will kick off a new MLS season on February 21, when they face Los Angeles FC away at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
The truth is that Evra’s confession reopens a new chapter in one of soccer’s biggest debates: who is better, Messi or Cristiano? However, for the former defender, the answer is clear, although they should not be compared.
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