Mario Balotelli has defended saying that Cristiano Ronaldo could not compare to Lionel Messi. “They’re the two best, but they’re not the same.”
Balotelli caused controversy when he made the comment during Barcelona’s 3-0 win against Liverpool in the Champions League semi-finals last night, and the Italy international went live on social media to justify himself.
“If we’re talking statistically, they’re the same,” explained the Olympique Marseille striker.
“But as someone who played against both, I can say that in my opinion Messi is out of this world, embarrassing. You can never get the better of him.
“In terms of quality, Messi is better than everyone. I’m convinced that if you ask a defender if they would rather play against Messi or Ronaldo, they would have no doubts.
“Messi and Ronaldo are two phenomena, true, but they’re not the same. If there was no Messi, Ronaldo would be the best in the world.
“I have a lot of respect for him, for how he trains, and it’s pleasure to watch him play and see how he managed to work on his body.
“Then people take it out on me and say I don’t know what I’m talking about... We’re talking about the two best players in the world.
“Ronaldo touched the ball three times against Atletico and scored three goals, but that’s his strength.
“Yesterday Messi decided the match against Liverpool. I leave the statistics to journalists, but it’s like comparing Maradona and Pele.
“Pele scored more goals than Maradona, but when Maradona touched the ball he was something else.”
FreeAgent10
302
If 2 of the most arrogant footballers ever (Zlatan and Balotelli) can admit that Messi is greatest then who are we to go against them?
Wepbilps
199
I think Balotelli drank.. Both G.O.A.Ts are the best. Sometimes Messi did best Sometimes Ronaldo did best Both never disappoint their fans 💪 LOVE CR7 LM10
mweuc654
150
Even stubborn players like Balotteli, Rooney and Zlatan know MESSI is above all..
fiobemnstz
140
a single better season and everyone be like wow Messi is incredible... CR7 really is most hated footballer in the world
Desmondeyum
111
Ronaldo fans are saying Messi is not the best because because he has played Barcelona his whole life and Ronaldo has from league to league in search of new challenges, Pele played Santos his whole life but is considered by Many as The best player of all time
Desmondeyum
99
Messi is the only Reason Ronaldo is still playing football and Wanting to take the balon dor, Messi is Ronaldo inspiration because Ronaldo wants to prove he is better than Messi but he has a long way to go because, Messi is has no size
oz_nuestro
94
You are not wrong Mario! I asked my mom yesterday who has not watch Messi played before in are life who is the best between this two (Cr7)... And she replied how is it possible this short guy dribble pass defender like without been caught with the ball... She Choose The 🐐
Kunjhann_Geo
92
**** you balottelli we all know that you are a Messi fan & you hate rono as he his in your league and take charge on your team ....ok be cool RONALDO have 5 UCL ... ok ......I also love Messi ....respect them both....you have jealous in Ronaldo ' s attitude towards game
zetbipsty
82
There is no Doubt Leo Messi is best player ever in football history. Please Never said Ronaldo is better than Messi. Its look like mad. Ronaldo is good in fact really good but not the best. The Best title only for Messi. as a football fan everyone should concede that.
jamesonparkers
76
although I hate ballotelli on he's 1st n 2nd comment ... i love cr7 n messi. so I won't say anything but praise them
Ruzbelsy
70
to me messi and cr7 are like when i performed well this year you take the other year yes messi is far better this year but fans have all forgotten those years when cr7 single handily Cary Madrid to glory 17, 16 goals in ufcl this year is messi year no body should be surprise next season if cr7 dose same and give juve CL is not new to me
Libadmsuz
62
why r causing controversy both if them are great in different level. if there is no Cr7 Messi would v won 10 world best in a row n if there is no Messi Cr7 would won 10 world best in a row. Cr7 was far better than Messi last year infact Messi was not among d nominee. y all these noise. Cr7 scored the most finest goal in against Juve. Both if them are great otherwise there won't be any a comparism
Maudoy
58
am a true Ronaldo fan but I have great respect for Messi for who he is "if they should be anyone arguing about cr7 and l. Messi I think it should be their respective fans and not fellow players, why can't Balotelli and Zlatan work hard and become the best themselves as footballers"why do the always sit down there and watch them perform so as to find one to criticize? the other Ronaldo was talking about his life in Italy then suddenly Zlatan jumped into it and claim what he knows nothing about yesterday Balotelli watched Messi play and started talking nonsense forgetting that his own team did not even qualify for the championship
Football Fan876
45
I notice that Some of you Ronaldo fanboys are now posting comments under the disguise of being a Juve, Manu, Liverpool or Real Madrid fan. All you do is infiltrate the fanbase of these clubs and hide behind thier badge. You're painting a bad image of the real fans of these clubs. Please stop it. You have been following cr7 from manu to madrid and now to juve. You're not fooling anyone bcuz once your post is read your true identity is revealed. Only cr7 fans hate Messi bcuz they're following an arrogant idol. A true football fan would never hate any player. Just bcuz you like cr7 doesn't mean you have to hate Messi ..... Shame on you
Fakaeimoty
42
balo what u said is true but dont forget ronaldo did the same last year even with a hatrick but u did not talk too much.hatred will kill u
Demiadd
8
a single better season and everyone be like wow Messi is incredible... CR7 really is most hated footballer in the world
Wtf? A single better season? 😂😂😂😂😂😂 u juve fans I try not to get in it with y’all cuz u know no loyalty. Last year n the year before y’all sang dybala praises n rant how Madrid robbed u which I agreed, ref made unfair calls, now this year it’s all Ronaldo he’s ur savior now he made u win the squadetto something you’ve been winning 7 seasons consecutively without him. Now u are going to claim u are a real football fan n utter those words that Messi has one good season n everyone now says he’s better than Ronaldo? Are u serious fam? 1 good seasons u said about a man that won 4 consecutive ballon dors? 1 good season? Even though he came fifth in the ballon dor standing last year is individual numbers were better than the top four. Dude delete ur comment cuz u have no idea how it makes u look right now. I’m sure ur a smart person