In 2024, former player Samir Nasri claimed that Ronaldinho and Ronaldo Nazario were better than Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The Frenchman had opined that the Brazilian legends were on a level above the Portuguese and Argnetine icons.
Speaking on a podcast, Nasri said Ronaldinho was the best ‘pure talent’ in football history, as he could control the ball and produce magic. He added that several coaches had heaped praise on Ronaldo Nazario. Nasri said (via Aminematue TV‘s X handle):
He added:
However, in 2015, Nasri praised both Messi and Ronaldo, saying (via ESPN):
Samir Nasri never had the opportunity to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi during his career.
After moving to Al-Nassr in 2023, Cristiano Ronaldo spoke to the media and claimed that his rivalry with Lionel Messi was over. He asserted that they followed their paths and that their legacies will live on.
Ronaldo said (via ESPN):
After months of negotiations, Cristiano Ronaldo is likely to extend his contract at Al-Nassr. The Portuguese superstar recently confirmed that he was not joining any side for the FIFA Club World Cup, despite interest.
Lionel Messi is in contract talks with Inter Miami, but is currently busy playing in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Sripad has been a Chelsea fan through and through since the age of 9 and can watch their 2012 Champions League triumph on repeat. The undisputed ‘GOAT’ according to him is Lionel Messi and his favorite managers are Jose Mourinho and Sir Alex Ferguson. Apart from popular European leagues, he also likes to follow other leagues like the MLS, Saudi Pro League, Eredivisie, and Liga MX.
Sripad believes in only using the right sources for his articles, and is an expert in understanding how to get the right quotes for each news to provide proper background information. His exploits have led him to become a popular figure in European Football and interviewing Premier League legends such as Alan Shearer, Shay Given, Paul Dickov, and John Barnes. His articles have been much revered amongst the football fraternity and have been shared by the likes of John Terry, Gary Lineker, and Declan Rice.
If given a chance to change a football rule, Sripad wants VAR to be fully automated and offside rules to be less stringent. When not working, he likes to watch past Formula 1 races and play FIFA.
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