“Just make the sign of the cross” - When Giorgio Chiellini explained different things defenders must do to stop Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
Former Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini once outlined how to defend against Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The two modern football superstars have been a nightmare for defenders throughout their careers.
The Portuguese icon has scored 916 goals for club and country from 1255 games, while also chipping in with 256 assists. La Pulga, meanwhile, has registered 850 goals and 379 assists from 1083 games across competitions.
Chiellini shared the pitch with Ronaldo during their time together at Juventus. Meanwhile, the legendary Italian defender also came up against Lionel Messi on a few occasions in his career.
Speaking to Eurosport Italia in 2016, Chiellini suggested that the Argentine legend is a lot harder to defend compared to the Portuguese icon.
"In the last few years the role of the defender has been re-evaluated. Everyone has to be good at understanding their role. Experience helps you to read certain situations better and make less mistakes in terms of behavior. Knowledge of the opponent is essential, too, individually as well as the team," Chiellini said.
He continued:
"How do you mark Cristiano Ronaldo? You try not to leave him alone, don’t let him shoot on his right foot. And Lionel Messi? Just make the sign of the cross."
Cristiano Ronaldo currently plies his trade with Al-Nassr, and his contract is due to expire at the end of this season. Messi, meanwhile, is with MLS side Inter Miami and will enter the final year of his contract in January.
What is Giorigio Chiellini's record against Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi?
Cristiano Ronaldo faced Chiellini's Juventus on six occasions during his time at Real Madrid. The first time they faced each other was in the group stages of the 2013-14 campaign.
Los Blancos won the game 2-1, with the Portuguese star scoring both goals. The two players came up against each other a couple of times in the European tournament, before locking horns in the 2016-17 final.
Real Madrid, once again, got the better of the Bianconeri, winning the game 4-1, with Ronaldo scoring a brace. The Portuguese icon has scored nine goals in six games against Chiellini's Juventus, winning three and losing two.
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi has faced Chiellini on four occasions for club and country. La Pulga has never scored against the Italian in his career. Messi won two and lost one against Chiellini while representing Barcelona, Argentina, and Inter Miami.