Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi will always remain a debate among soccer fans for years to come. The two have been touted as the best players ever, and Patrice Evra has now explained why he prefers the Portuguese over the Argentine.
Cristiano Ronaldo Pips Lionel Messi in Key Aspect for Patrice Evra
Evra has called time on his career after a stunning spell at Manchester United and Juventus. The Frenchman has been touted as one of the best full-backs ever, and it is no surprise that fans listen to his comments on debates and key topics.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Evra recalled how he used to play against opponents who were 15 years old than him. He claims it taught him that talent was not enough and that it would be about working hard.
The Frenchman added that it is a key reason he prefers Ronaldo to Messi, as the former Manchester United superstar has the work ethic to keep improving. He admitted that the Argentine fans might not agree or dislike him for the comment, but believes that it is the truth about the two players.
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He said, “Anyone can have talent, but do you have the work ethic? 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.”
Evra recalled facing Messi in the UEFA Champions League semifinal, revealing that he was under immense pressure ahead of the match.
Sir Alex Ferguson had openly told the players in the dressing room that they would lose the match if the left-back failed to keep the Barcelona star quiet. They went on to win the second leg, on their way to beating Chelsea in the memorable final in Moscow.
However, Evra does not have a good record against Barcelona and Messi in the UEFA Champions League finals. He has faced them thrice, twice with Manchester United in 2009 and 2011, and once with Juventus in 2015, and lost all.
Evra played 121 matches alongside Cristiano Ronaldo during his time at Manchester United, and the pair combined for a key goal away at Arsenal in the 2007/08 season to help the Red Devils to a 2-2 draw.
