"The difference is enormous - When Fabio Capello made surprise comment on Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo debate
Former Juventus manager Fabio Capello once insisted that there's an enormous difference between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The two football icons have captivated the world for ages and are among the greatest players in the history of the game.
The dynamic duo may be at the twilight of their career now, but their rivalry remains undiminished. The Portuguese ace currently plies his trade with the Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, having moved to the Middle East in December 2022.
Lionel Messi, meanwhile, is with Inter Miami and has already won two trophies with the Herons since arriving in 2023. The Argentinean was recently awarded the MLS MVP award for this season.
Speaking previously to MARCA, Capello acknowledged Cristiano Ronaldo as an extraordinary player but insisted Messi is a genius unlike anyone else.
"It's one thing to be an outsider and another thing to be a genius. The difference is enormous since a genius does what nobody imagines. Ronaldo is an extraordinary footballer, but Messi is a genius," said Capello.
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 16 goals and set up three more for Al-Nassr this season. However, the Riyadh-based club are fourth in the Saudi Pro League after 13 games, 11 points behind leaders Al-Ittihad.
Messi, meanwhile, finished the campaign with Inter Miami with 23 goals and 13 assists from 25 games. He won the Supporters' Shield with the Florida-based club this year.
How many trophies have Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo won in their career?
Lionel Messi is the most successful footballer player with 46 trophies to his name. The Argentine legend won 35 titles during his long stay with Barcelona.
After leaving the Catalan giants in the summer of 2021, Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). In his two seasons in France, the player lifted three titles, including two league trophies.
The 37-year-old left the Parc des Princes in the summer of 2023 to join Inter Miami and has won two trophies at the Chase Stadium. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner also has six titles with Argentina, including the World Cup, two Copa Americas, and one Olympic Gold medal.
Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, has 35 trophies to his name. This includes nine trophies with Manchester United, 16 with Real Madrid, and five with Juventus. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has also won Euro 2016 and the 2018-19 UEFA Nations League with Portugal.