The debate between Ronaldo and Messi has taken a new twist after the latter’s suspension from PSG.
Sir Alex Ferguson recognized the spectacular talents of both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but believed that while Messi flourished with his stellar supporting cast at Barcelona, it was Cristiano who could truly exceed at any club.
“People say who is the best player in the world? And plenty of people quite rightly say Messi – you can’t dispute that opinion,” the former Manchester United manager said in 2015.
“But Ronaldo could play for Millwall, Queens Park Rangers, Doncaster Rovers… anyone, and score a hat-trick in a game. I’m not sure Messi could do it. Ronaldo’s got two feet, he’s quick, great in the air, he’s brave – Messi’s brave, of course. I think Messi’s a Barcelona player.”
Has Messi proved Ferguson right?
It took eight years, but this hypothesis has finally been put to the test. Overall, you could say Ferguson’s theory that Messi is a one-club player is spot on.
The Argentine hasn’t lived up to his Barcelona standards since joining Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. He finished his debut campaign with just 11 goals – his lowest tally since 2006.
To be fair, Messi has done much better this season. He has 20 goals and 19 assists in 37 games across all competitions. But his performances have dropped since the World Cup, leading to discontent from PSG fans.
According to ESPN, Messi and PSG have now agreed to part ways this summer after the club suspended the player for two weeks over an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia.
A return to Barcelona is a possibility, as are big-money moves to the MLS and Saudi Pro League.
ESPN added that PSG doubt Messi can still deliver in big Champions League matches after he failed to make his mark in their last-16 defeat to Bayern Munich this season.
Ronaldo, on the other hand, is back to doing what he does best in Saudi Arabia – scoring goals. The Portuguese ace is now plying his trade at Al Nassr after successful spells in England, Spain, and Italy – scoring 12 goals in as many Saudi Pro League games!
His second spell at Manchester United may have ended on a bad note, but Ronaldo is back on form and hopeful of succeeding in the Middle East.
PSG fans call out Messi 😳
(via @CanalSupporters)pic.twitter.com/pW3OBjjWJG
— B/R Football (@brfootball) May 3, 2023