The Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi debate is one that has dominated the soccer landscape for many years, but very few know both players.
The couple have worked their way to the top of the ‘greatest conversation of all time’ and no matter who you are, everyone has a preference.
The rivalry of the couple in Spain will become one of the highest quality in the history of the sport
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Everyone has expressed their opinion on the debate, including Mauricio Pochettino.
Some marvel at the machine-like athletic relentlessness of Ronaldo’s goals, while others are drawn to Messi’s ball-at-his-feet magic.
Messi has a record six Ballon d’Or titles to Ronaldo’s five. But the Portuguese has five Champions crowns compared to Messi’s four.
Even with Messi’s recent move to PSG, there is still a limited pool of talent to have worked with both stars, often restricted to Argentine internationals such as Ángel Di María and Gonzalo Higuaín.
The list of managers to work with both is non-existent, but that may change soon.
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Messi could soon lose Pochettino to Ronaldo
TalkSPORT sources understand that Mauricio Pocettino is Sir Alex Ferguson’s main candidate to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United, and the former Spurs boss is understood to be interested in the move.
A sensational return from the Premier League for Pochettino would see him switch over to Messi’s leadership to become Ronaldo’s new boss in Manchester.
Ronaldo was reportedly ‘stunned’ by Solskjaer’s leadership since returning to Old Trafford in the summer.
And while you may be happy to see the Norwegian’s back, you may not be very happy with his possible replacement.
Ronaldo did his best to keep Solskjaer in one position, but it turned out to be a mission impossible.
Pochettino was asked to compare the two modern greats and did not mince words when he endorsed his compatriot in 2015.
“Messi is this type of player, for me the best in the world today, better than Cristiano Ronaldo and he can decide a game,” he said.
«[Diego] Maradona, for my generation, is always a very special player. When I was a child, Maradona was like a god.
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Pochettino gave Messi the highest praise by putting him on the same level as the great Maradona of all time
“It is difficult in your mind to change your mind and say that Messi is better or Ronaldo is better, but right now Messi is the best in the world.
“And if he were not Messi’s coach, he would still say Messi. I answer with my heart. I always say what I feel.
“On the podium with him I would have to be [Robert] Lewandowski and Cristiano ”.
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Poch also put Lewandowski in the same bracket, and he has since been shown to be right with the Pole beating Messi and Ronaldo.
Pochettino has doubled down on his backing for Messi since taking over at PSG, saying after Messi scored his first goal for the club: “He’s the best player in the world, there’s no question.”
That could be a bit of a painful audition for Ronaldo, who undoubtedly faces the Argentine in his quest to become the best soccer player in history.
It’s not all bad news though, with Pochettino being incredibly complimentary about Ronaldo before his Tottenham side took on Real Madrid in 2017.
“It’s a phenomenon,” Pochettino said. “He has been awarded ‘The Best’ [FIFA award] and the truth is that he deserves it.
Poch witnessed Cristiano firsthand with Spurs, but was even more impressed with Messi
“In addition to his qualities as a professional, he is an example.
“He never tires of repeating that the secret is to work hard, make an effort, take care of yourself. All players should apply it «.
United fans will desperately hope that Pchettino won’t have to rely on Ronaldo’s professionalism as much as Solskjaer did, should he improve at Old Trafford.
But just as important could be Ronaldo’s willingness to let the past slide, after discovering that his potential new coach dealt the biggest blow to his ego.
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