Former Arsenal icon Paul Merson has explained the key difference between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Merson has heaped praise on Ronaldo for his commitment towards the game and hard work throughout his career, which has made him the player he is today. He labelled the Manchester United forward 'special'.
The former player-turned-pundit also agreed with the general notion that Messi has had natural talent. In his column for the Daily Star, Paul Merson said:
"The bloke (Ronaldo) is special. He has such self-belief. I think mentally, he is the strongest player there has ever been in the game. I think Messi is different. I think he was born with his talent. Ronaldo has had to work at it. You can watch videos of Messi scoring unreal goals as a kid. It came naturally for him. With Ronaldo, it's been sheer hard work and dedication."
Both Messi and Ronaldo have had amazing careers over the last 15 years. The duo have won a combined 12 Ballon d'Or awards between them, with Messi winning seven and Ronaldo five.
The duo will be heading into the 2022-23 season after enduring contrasting campaigns. Both Messi and Ronaldo had joined new clubs at the start of last season. Messi had an underwhelming first season with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), scoring only 11 times across competitions, but won the Ligue 1 title.
Ronaldo, meanwhile, ended the 2021-22 campaign as Manchester United's leading goalscorer with 24 goals in 38 appearances. However, the 37-year-old forward endured a trophyless campaign. To add insult to injury, United also failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League, finishing sixth in the Premier League.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to play in their fifth FIFA World Cup
Argentina and Portugal have both qualified for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. That means that Messi and Ronaldo will be making their fifth appearance in the quadrennial competition. Both superstars had made their World Cup debut in the 2006 edition in Germany but are yet to win the competition.
It's quite possible that the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar could be both Messi and Ronaldo's final appearance in the competition. With both approaching the twilight of their careers, it is difficult to see either of them in the 2016 edition in North America.
Where does Haaland rank in Paul Merson's 5 best Premier League transfers so far? Click here
Mabel43
36
That what makes the Goat L+M=Goat Leo Messi 👏✅
voebklrtuz
23
stop compearing messi and that of Ronaldo in terms of football. Leo when he is with the ball he knows how measure it directly to whom he want. and also he is best assisted, best dribbler in the world. No one knows the skills of messi when you are trying to play with. he supper natural
Mangisha
13
Everyone knows Messi is talent, Ronaldo hardwork. That doesn't mean Messi hasn't worked hard to be where he is 2day, that doesn't mean Ronaldo has never had talent. For Messi to have succeeded having been doing the same thing since childhood, he has had to worked hard, we do see Messi training, even at his house. Talent without the will, without hardwork is nothing. It's the same thing with Ronaldo. Sometimes you can train so hard, work so hard, if that will, belief isn't there, if that talent isn't there, you can't go far. So many players out their have talent, or work hard, but most of them don't make it to the elite. Messi and Ronaldo both have talent, both have worked hard. And we all can see the results of that.