‘We knew methods to deal with Ronaldo however could not cease Messi – there is not any comparability’
Lionel Messi versus Cristiano Ronaldo is a continuing conflict that dates again virtually 20 years – and John Obi Mikel has picked his facet within the struggle.
The former Chelsea star and two-time Premier League champion had the pleasure – relying on the way you have a look at it – of enjoying towards each world-beaters throughout his profession. And his experiences left him in little question as to whom was the higher participant out of Barcelona icon Messi or Real Madrid legend Ronaldo.
“For me, Messi,” replied 36-year-old Mikel throughout a current look on Rio Ferdinand‘s Vibe with Five podcast. “Messi was the man.
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“When we performed towards [Manchester] United when Cristiano was there, we knew, ‘Okay, Ash [Ashley Cole] will take care of him. He is able to coping with him.’ But each time it was towards Barcelona – oh, my god – coaching the entire week was about Messi.
“We have to have two, three players with him, you can’t defend one vs one against him. It’s impossible. You’re dead.”
Mikel – who retired from soccer in September 2022 – ensured to spotlight the actual fact he meant no disrespect to Ferdinand’s former team-mate given all Ronaldo, 38, has achieved. However, he went on to say he ‘would not see the comparability’ between the 2 gamers, including 36-year-old Messi “is from a different planet.”
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(Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
(Image: AFP through Getty Images)
“I just think he is that good,” added the 91-cap former Nigeria worldwide. “The game plan was just to kick him because we can’t get the ball off him or get close enough.
“If you suppose he’s there, he’s gone. You can watch our video games after we performed them. JT [John Terry] is tackling, Frankie’s [Frank Lampard] tackling, I’m tackling, all people’s placing in tackles. That’s the one means we may cease him.”
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As if to place an exclamation mark on the argument, Messi lately expanded his assortment of Ballon d’Or titles to eight after profitable the World Cup with Argentina final 12 months. The Inter Miami phenomenon was already significantly forward of five-time winner Ronaldo, who has seen his manufacturing surge once more since becoming a member of Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia’s Pro League.
Even the phrases of 1 with important expertise towards the 2 greatest gamers of this period will not be sufficient to persuade the staunchest of Ronaldo’s disciples. But for others, Mikel’s feedback will function additional proof as to who comes out on prime in one of many fiercest debates in soccer.