Manchester City star Rodri, who recently won the 2024 Ballon d’Or, has shared his thoughts on the GOAT debate. Speaking in an interview with El Hormiguero, he declared Lionel Messi as the greatest player of all time. Rodri reflected on his experience facing both Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo during his time in La Liga with Villarreal and Atletico Madrid.
“Lionel Messi is the greatest player of all time, without any doubt.” Rodri said, per Goal.com “Cristiano has managed to match Messi without innate talent. But those of us who have played against them can see the difference. We didn’t want Cristiano to step into the box because he was lethal there. But with Messi, the danger was everywhere on the pitch.”
Rodri described the feeling of trying to defend against Messi as intimidating.
“When Messi got the ball, you’d think: ‘Oh, danger’.” Rodri said, “When I first started playing against him, I tried to take the ball from him, and he dodged you as if you were a bull in the ring. The feeling I had was that something bad was about to happen.”
Although Rodri acknowledged Ronaldo’s work ethic and ability to compete at Messi’s level, he believes Messi’s innate talent makes him stand apart.
The Spanish midfielder’s Ballon d’Or win is historic, making him the first Premier League player to secure the award since Ronaldo in 2008. This year’s ceremony was also the first since 2003 without Messi or Ronaldo on the shortlist, signaling a shift in football’s landscape. Rodri’s achievement will be celebrated at the Etihad Stadium ahead of Manchester City’s match against Tottenham. Returning from injury, he will be key as Pep Guardiola’s side looks to regain form after recent struggles. Despite the debate continuing, for Rodri, Messi remains the best.
Also read: Rodri crowned 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, historic achievement for Manchester City