"He's the most complete player I've ever seen" - When Virat Kohli picked between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
Cricket icon Virat Kohli had once given his take on the Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo debate during a 2019 interview. Messi and Ronaldo are widely considered two of the greatest players to have ever graced football.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have dominated football for the last two decades, having won multiple accolades for club, country, and at the individual level. The duo have won a combined 13 Ballons d'Or, with Messi having a record eight and Ronaldo five. Their rivalry is often considered one of the most discussed ones in football and pundits and fans have shared their take on the historic debate.
In a 2019 interview, legendary Indian cricket Virat Kohli had shared his opinion on the age-old debate, choosing Cristiano Ronaldo over Lionel Messi. He said (via telegrafi):
"I enjoyed the performances of Ronaldo Nazario, Ronaldinho, Oliver Kahn, Luka Modric, Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Lionel Messi and Ronaldo. For me, Cristiano is before everyone. He is determined and his work is second to none. He wants success, you can see it in every game."
"Ronaldo. I think he has faced many challenges and he has overcome them all. He's the most complete player I've ever seen and his work ethic, as you said earlier, is second to none. He inspires a lot of people. Not many people do this. He is also a leader and I like him," Kohli added.
At the time of Kohli's statements, Messi was still at Barcelona and Ronaldo was playing for Juventus. The Argentine legend has since won two consecutive Copa America trophies with Argentina alongside the coveted 2022 FIFA World Cup. Meanwhile, Ronaldo created history by becoming the first men's player to hit 900 career goals in September this year.
When cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar picked between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
In a 2022 interview with American journalist Graham Bensinger, legendary Indian cricket Sachin Tendulkar shared his take on the Ronaldo vs Messi debate. Tendulkar picked the Argentine superstar, saying (via GOAL):
"Messi is more of my type."
Despite being at the wrong end of their thirties, both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been performing at their best for club and country. Messi is currently focusing on the MLS playoffs after winning the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters' Shield since joining Inter Miami. He has recorded 22 goals and 13 assists in 24 appearances for the Herons across competitions in this MLS season.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo has recorded nine goals and three assists in 13 outings for Al-Nassr across competitions. The Portuguese talisman will be desperate to win silverware with the Saudi Pro League giants this season.