Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have both been at the forefront of soccer for around two decades, forming a long-standing rivalry along the way. And now, Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has made a wishful claim about the aforementioned pair.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi Receives Big Praise
During a recent chat with AS, De La Fuente showered unique praise on Ronaldo and Messi, claiming that neither the Al-Nassr star nor the Inter Miami ace should stop playing soccer.
“Messi is one of those players who should never retire. Just like Cristiano Ronaldo. They’re fantastic. Whatever Messi’s form is in the Finalissima or the World Cup, he’s one of those players who can make the difference with a single detail. Therefore, total respect and admiration for Leo’s career and for what he still has ahead of him,” De La Fuente said (via Barca Universal).
Messi, who turned 38 earlier in June, is set to represent Argentina in La Finalissima against Spain on March 27 at Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar. The Inter Miami captain will be hoping to add another trophy to his collection before playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June.
Ronaldo, on the other hand, will also participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The 40-year-old Al-Nassr star’s sixth FIFA World Cup appearance in 2026 is believed to be his last international tournament for Portugal.
Real Madrid Icon Picks Between Ronaldo and Messi
Real Madrid legend Luka Modric has suggested that the debate between Ronaldo and Messi is a superficial matter, as both veteran forwards have left their indelible marks on soccer.
“It’s a question I don’t like. They marked an era. I am more attached to Cristiano because I played with him, he was my partner at Real Madrid,” Modric replied when asked to pick the better player between Ronaldo and Messi (via Madrid Universal).
READ MORE: Lionel Messi Told Cristiano Ronaldo Would Have Been Better in MLS
Modric continued to laud his former Real Madrid teammate, saying, “I assure you that he is not only a great footballer… he is an incredible person. People don’t know it, but he has a huge heart, always ready to help others. And he’s a simple, normal man.”
Asked to offer his honest thoughts on the Inter Miami star, Modric responded, “As a man, I don’t know him, but I do not doubt that he is also extraordinary. As a player, magnificent.”
While Modric shared the pitch with Ronaldo 222 times across competitions for Real Madrid, the AC Milan midfielder has faced Messi 27 times at both club and country level so far.
