Ronaldo is a freak of nature – however Messi is the best ever because of this

Cristiano Ronaldo is probably the most deadly goalscorer in historical past – however Lionel Messi edges him within the unending ‘biggest of all time’ debate.

That is the view of Arsenal legend Martin Keown, who believes the Barcelona legend is the superior dribbler.

6

Ronaldo and Messi have sealed their place in historical past as two of the very best ever gamers – profitable a mixed 13 Ballon d’Or’s and 9 Champions League crowns.

Al Nassr striker Ronaldo is heading in the right direction to grow to be the primary participant to search out the again of the web 1,000 instances having executed so on 928 events from his glittering profession up to now.

Whereas Inter Miami ahead Messi, who’s on 854 profession targets, continues to wow followers since making the transfer to America the place he often leaves spectators in awe.

As some followers and pundits simply attempt to respect the pair for the elite gamers they’re, many typically speculate who’s the superior participant.

People who respect technical traits and dazzling dribbling are inclined to go for Messi, whereas Ronaldo will get the nod from followers that favour ball-striking skills.

And that is the case for Arsenal Invincible Keown, who has given World Cup 2022 winner Messi the nod over the Euro 2016 champion.

Keown has first-hand expertise enjoying in opposition to Ronaldo, with the pair beginning within the notorious Battle of Outdated Trafford in September 2003 which noticed Arsenal held to a 0-0 draw at Manchester United in a feisty affair.

However chatting with talkSPORT.com, Keown has declared his recreation was elevated following his then-world report £80million transfer to Actual Madrid in 2019.

Requested whether or not he knew he was a particular participant from their assembly in opposition to one another, Keown stated: “The step-over factor, as soon as he determined to cease overdoing it and specializing in…

“I believe when he went centrally at Actual Madrid, he turned form of like an inside ahead actually.

6

“And I believe the wingers on this recreation have at all times been the very best gamers.

“However as soon as they begin to transfer centrally, they’ll trigger all types of hassle, as we’re seeing now with [Mohamed] Salah.

“Salah has taken up that mantle, enjoying simply in off the road, nice tempo is after all vital and you need to have that capability to hit the again of the web.

“However Ronaldo, his leap as effectively… is he higher than Messi? Is he [Messi] higher than Ronaldo?

“I believe we’re fortunate to have two of that high quality in the identical era.

“However possibly Messi, he is extra naturally gifted operating with the ball, nearly on high of it.

Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi: Honours

6

“However Ronaldo is a really shut second.”

Ronaldo shall be trying to present his class as soon as extra as he hopes to spearhead Portugal to a comeback victory over Denmark in Sunday’s Nations League quarter-final second leg.

And whereas Keown has acknowledged Ronaldo as being a freak of nature when it comes to his longevity and goalscoring heroics, he has admitted that he’s longer on the peak of his powers.

Discussing his profession, he remarked: “Properly to begin with, congratulations to anyone who will get to 40 years of age and to be nonetheless enjoying soccer.

“His numbers are simply ridiculous, I believe we’re on about 1,200 video games right here, I’ve misplaced rely of the quantity of targets [928] that he is on.

“Simply to have the ability to play these variety of video games, to be that constant along with your well being with being on the market.

6

“You are nearly a freak [of nature] actually to be on the pitch that usually, you need to be very fortunate, very skilled.

“However to be making the distinction so many instances in these video games is sort of outstanding.

“I do not know the place he’s along with his worldwide [appearances now], he is nearly received as many video games enjoying for Portugal as some gamers – good gamers – what’s it, 250 appearances now [218] for his nationwide staff?

“Some gamers are retiring and haven’t performed that many video games, simply at membership degree.

“So it’s outstanding, I do really feel like he is gone previous his finest, however I like the way in which he has recreated himself.

“In 2021 he was at Manchester United and you can see it [slow decline], could not we?

6

“Regardless that he was the third finest goalscorer within the Premier League that 12 months, he wasn’t fairly what he was.

“So he is in Saudi Arabia now and he’ll determine, he’ll inform us when he is prepared to complete, however to date it is simply been outstanding.”