“He would 100% not insist on playing” - Ex-Liverpool star makes Lionel Messi claim to slam Cristiano Ronaldo for Euro 2024 campaign
Former Liverpool star Dietmar Hamann has hit out at Cristiano Ronaldo, claiming Lionel Messi wouldn't do things like the former. Ronaldo had a poor Euro 2024, where he did not contribute much to Portugal and failed to bag a single goal in the competition.
In a conversation with TopOffshoreSportsBooks, Hamann went on a slight rant highlighting the 39-year-old's individualistic nature. Claiming that Messi would not have played if the Argentine believed he wasn't able to contribute to the team's cause, Hamann said (via Express):
"It's not about his mentality, but you've got to think about the team first. I can tell you one thing, they've been the best players in the world for the last 20 years but if Messi was in a state where he couldn't help the team anymore, He would 100% not insist on playing."
With Ronaldo in the starting lineup, Portugal suffered a defeat to France in the quarter-final of Euro 2024 on penalties (5-3) after a goalless draw. Meanwhile, Messi was away with Argentina at Copa America 2024, where they lifted the trophy after beating Colombia 1-0 in the final on Sunday (July 14).
To date, the ex-Real Madrid star has played 212 matches across competitions for Portugal, bagging 130 goals. However, Ronaldo's presence in the national team remains uncertain, with manager Roberto Martinez failing to confirm whether the striker will continue.
The next major international competition for the nation will be the 2026 FIFA World Cup, by which time Ronaldo would've crossed the age of 40.
How Lionel Messi performed at Copa America in comparison to Cristiano Ronaldo's Euro 2024 campaign
It's fair to say that neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo played starring roles in their respective nations' continental competitions. The Portuguese sensation bagged one assist and did not score, while Messi registered an assist and a goal.
However, the Inter Miami attacker suffered from injury issues and even missed his team's group-stage match against Peru. He also had to be substituted in the second half of the final against Colombia after picking up an ankle problem.
Even in an injury-stricken tournament, Messi contributed to his team's cause, creating five big chances against Canada in the group stages. He then created one big opportunity against Chile in his team's second match in the group.
While Ronaldo's and Messi's numbers may be similar on the goal contribution front, the Argentine looks to have had the better tournament.