"Cristiano has a propensity to dive” - When Spain legend took shots at Cristiano Ronaldo after epic FIFA World Cup display
Spain legend Gerard Pique took a sly jibe at Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo after his epic display against La Roja at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The sides met in a high-stakes encounter in the group stage of the tournament, which ended up being a thrilling 3-3 draw.
Pique and Ronaldo were once teammates at Manchester United, appearing in 15 games together for the Red Devils between 2004 and 2008. However, they are better known as bitter rivals opposite sides of the El Clasico, the former representing Barcelona and the latter turning out for Real Madrid.
At the 2018 World Cup, they were key members of their respective nations' squads with both players earning a spot in their starting lineups for the game. In the third minute, Ronaldo was brought down in the box by Nacho Fernandez, and the then-33-year-old duly converted from the spot (4'). The lead was short-lived, as Diego Costa equalized in the 24th minute.
Ronaldo then scored from opposition shotstopper David De Gea's error in the 44th minute, but his team conceded two goals in four minutes (55', 58') and trailed 3-2. However, he scored a stunning 88th-minute freekick to complete his hattrick and single-handedly powered his side to a draw.
Speaking about the contentious penalty decision after the game, Pique was not best pleased, calling the five-time Ballon d'Or winner a diver. He said (via Daily Star):
"Cristiano has a propensity to dive. We had more chances, they had three shots and scored three goals. Games go one way and you have to face it. Finding yourself in the opening game of the World Cup with a penalty against you and a goal down after two minutes, you have to leave with a good feeling about how the game went."
"He showed it in the World Cup" - When Gerard Pique picked Lionel Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo in GOAT debate
Former defender Gerard Pique is widely considered as one of the best centre-backs in Spain and Barcelona history. He enjoyed a trophy-laden career with the Blaugrana, sharing the pitch with Argentine maestro Lionel Messi.
Pique also played with Portuguese talisman Cristiano Ronaldo earlier in his career at Manchester United. He is one of the few footballers to have shared the pitch with the iconic forwards who have been involved in the GOAT debate that has lasted over a decade.
When asked who he would choose on the John Nellis YouTube channel in February 2023, right after Messi's Argentina triumphed at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Pique said (via SportBible):
"Well, it’s true that the fight between the two in the last decade was quite impressive because both of them did incredibly well. I think that in terms of talent, Messi is number one, for sure. It’s true that Cristiano has worked very hard to try and compete and fight for that first spot but if you see the careers of both… I would choose Messi, for sure. He showed that even though he’s 35 he can compete as the best player in the world. He showed it in the World Cup.”