Manchester City midfielder Rodri has declared Lionel Messi as his choice in the long-running debate over football’s greatest player, citing the Argentine’s unmatched natural talent.
Speaking on El Hormiguero, Rodri said,
“I have no doubt, Messi. Cristiano has achieved incredible things, but those who’ve played against them know the difference. Messi was lethal everywhere on the pitch.”
Rodri, who first faced Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as a teenager, recalled the challenges of playing against both legends. While Ronaldo’s precision in the box stood out, Rodri described Messi’s all-around threat as unparalleled, likening him to a bullfighter evading defenders.
The Spaniard recently created history by claiming the Ballon d’Or to become the first Spanish male winner since Luis Suarez in 1960. While he basked in his personal glory, Rodri still took time to remember Spain’s golden generation of footballers that never received the same status, giving praise to legends such as Andres Iniesta.
Spain has had one of the best eras of football, yet we only got one Ballon d’Or during that era. Many deserved it, but they played at the same time as Messi and Ronaldo,” he said.
Rodri also made his comments on rising star Lamine Yamal, and he recognized the king-level status of Spanish women’s football, pinpointed by recent accolades won by Aitana Bonmati.
