Cristiano Ronaldo values his reputation above all else.
THE Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo debate is a longstanding and heated exercise. Messi’s teammate Luis Suarez, however, believes there’s no debate. He is certain that his Barcelona ally is the superior player, and even went as far as to say that Messi’s stats should guarantee him the Ballon d’Or.
“He (Ronaldo) won the Champions League and Euro 2016, but in my view, there’s no debate needed. Lionel Messi is the best player in the world — aside from the titles,” Suarez said.
Messi notched 26 goals and 18 assists en route to Barcelona’s La Liga triumph last season, while Ronaldo scooped 35 goals and 11 assists. Ronaldo also lead Portugal to an unlikely Euro 2016 final victory, whereas Messi and Argentina fell short in this summer’s Copa America Centenario final.
Suarez insists that Messi’s impact goes further than just stats and titles, though.
“He is the cut above the rest in every match, Suarez said. “Those stats alone should guarantee him the Ballon d’Or.”
Ronaldo’s ego would no doubt be hurting after such comments, especially given he claimed he was the best player the world has seen over the past 20 years just last month.
It’s tough to guarantee someone the Ballon d’Or, but at this stage in the game it’s hard to see anyone else but Ronaldo winning it. Messi definitely has a case, and Suarez is free to believe what he wants, but it’s tough to deny Ronaldo’s successes this season.
Suarez doesn’t think Ronaldo’s talent matches that of Messi.Source:AP
And worst case, Messi can put forth an effort to claim the next honour, just like he deservedly does every year.
The 29-year-old has cut his vacation short and will arrive back at Barcelona seven days ahead of schedule to join pre-season training in England.
Messi was scheduled to join his club team on August 1 after a break, but the club announced on the weekend he will instead return on Monday and he will be joined by Turkey captain Arda Turan.
It’s good news for fans in the UK who may now get to see the Argentinian in action. Barcelona is off to England on Monday for five days of training at St. George’s Park and then a friendly match against Celtic in Dublin on July 30.
Messi can do almost anything with his left foot.Source:Getty Images
For Messi, who spent much of his break on a yacht in Ibiza, he may be ready to move on from the heartbreak he experienced in the Copa America Centenario. It was after that loss to Chile in the final that he announced he would not continue with the Argentine national team. His return to Barca surely allows him to turn the page.
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