"Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi cannot be compared" - Javier Hernandez speaks about Manchester United and PSG superstar
LA Galaxy forward Javier Hernandez believes Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi cannot be compared despite their long-standing rivalry. The duo have divided opinions across the footballing spectrum, with both stars boasting a huge fanbase.
Ronaldo and Messi's rivalry is widely considered to be the greatest in the sport's history, and over the years players and managers have been asked to take their picks between the two.
🌶️Will @CH14_ settle the Messi and @Cristiano debate once and for all? 😳🌶️
¿@CH14_ resolverá el debate entre Messi y @Cristiano de una vez por todas? 😳🌶️ https://t.co/R33Gv2F3hn
However, Hernandez has a slightly different take on the issue, insisting that the players cannot be compared, although he gave an interesting reason for that. Speaking to Complexity, the Mexican said (via AS):
"I had one (Messi) as a rival and he gave me headaches, the other (Cristiano Ronaldo) as a teammate and we had great victories, so I think the two are completely different, they can't even be compared."
Chicharito played against Messi a few times in the Champions League with Manchester United and Bayer Leverkusen, including the 2011 final with the former. At Real Madrid, the striker locked horns with his Argentine counterpart in El Clasico during the 2014-15 season.
In Madrid, Hernandez also struck up a partnership with the Portuguese, who famously assisted his winning goal against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Man of the people. ✍️
@CH14_ showing love to his @realmadrid, @Chivas and @LAGalaxy fans. https://t.co/fNMBDrNc1T
Contrary to many others who have had their say on the comparisons, Chicharito's take is different in that he shows respect to both players. He acknowledged that Messi was a great rival while also reminiscing about the good old days in the Spanish capital with the Manchester United star.
Ronaldo faces uncertain future at Manchester United
Speaking of Ronaldo, the 37-year-old star is facing an uncertain future at Manchester United and wants to leave the club. But despite being offered to multiple clubs, he is yet to find a suitor.
Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich have publicly rejected making any serious advancements for the former Real Madrid player. This has left the 37-year-old with no choice but to honor his contract with the Manchester-based club.
The Portuguese came on as a substitute in Manchester United's opening day loss against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.