2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri explains why Ronaldo is ‘deadly’ but Messi ‘dangerous’

• Manchester City midfielder Rodri has split his two pence on the difference between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi
• The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner’s comments shed light on the technical nuances of facing two of football’s best players
• Meanwhile, Rodri is being honored by his club following his Ballon d’Or success against Vinicius Junior last month

2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodrigo Hernandez Cascante, better known as Rodri, has given his view on the eternal debate surrounding Christiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

The Spaniard, revered for his midfield mastery, delved into the contrasting styles of the two legends, often hailed as football’s greatest ever.

Looking back on his La Liga tenure at Villarreal and Atletico MadridRodri recalled the enormous challenge of neutralizing Ronaldo and Messi during their best years at Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Both players, ruthless in their pursuit of goals, tested the mettle of the defenders week in week out.

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Explaining their differences during an interview with El Hormiguero via GOALthe 28-year-old stated:

“Lionel Messi is without a doubt the greatest player of all time. Cristiano has managed to emulate Messi without any innate talent.

“But those of us who have played against them can see the difference. We didn’t want Cristiano to step into the box because he was deadly there. But with Messi the danger was everywhere on the pitch.”

The rivalry between Ronaldo and Messi

For almost twenty years, Ronaldo and Messi captivated fans with an unprecedented rivalry.

Together they won no fewer than thirteen Ballon d’Or titles: Ronaldo with five and Messi with a record eight.

Ronaldo’s precision in the penalty area, combined with his athleticism and finishing skills, made him a nightmare for defenders in tight spaces.

Conversely, Messi’s unpredictability and ability to influence the game from anywhere required constant vigilance, converting even the smallest openings into opportunities.

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Rodri is honored

The Manchester city Talisman’s Ballon d’Or triumph will be marked with a huge celebration at the Etihad Stadium ahead of their clash with Tottenham next Saturday, according to the official club site.

Rodri explains why he deserves the Ballon d’Or award

Previously, YEN.com.gh reported that Rodri confidently explained why he deserved to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or award.

The 28-year-old won football’s most prestigious individual award after an excellent season for both club and country.

While some claim Vinicius was unfairly dismissed, Rodri has defended his triumph, citing his consistent performances and key contributions to his team’s success.

Source: YEN.com.gh