Ronaldo vs. Messi: Xavi’s reaction in 2017 when Cristiano declared himself the GOAT
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are, sadly, nearing the end of their illustrious careers.
Ronaldo will turn 38 in February, while Messi will turn 35 in June.
Whatever happens between now and when they retire, both players have cemented their places in the pantheon of all-time greats, alongside Pele and Diego Maradona.
Throughout his career, Manchester United’s Ronaldo has made no secret of his desire to become the greatest footballer ever.
Messi, on the other hand, has always insisted that’s never been a personal objective for him. How people remember him is down to each individual.
Messi holds the record for the most Ballon d’Or awards, with a total of seven.
Since Ronaldo won the prestigious individual award for the fifth time in 2017, the Paris Saint-Germain forward has won two more Ballons d’Or.
Cristiano Ronaldo in 2017: ‘I’m the best player in history
After Ronaldo sealed the 2017 Ballon d’Or, the Portuguese forward raised eyebrows with some comments he made to France Football.
“I don’t see anyone better than me,” Ronaldo said at the time, per The Independent. “No player does things that I cannot do myself, but I see things others can’t do.
“There’s no more complete player than me. I’m the best player in history – in the good and the bad moments.”
How did Xavi respond to Cristiano Ronaldo’s comments?
Ronaldo’s comments prompted a response from Barcelona legend Xavi, who was playing for Al Sadd at the time and is now the head coach at Camp Nou.
“Messi does more things compared to Cristiano,” the World Cup winner insisted during an interview with Tot Costa de Catalunya Ràdio, per AS. “Messi is the best.”
Xavi continued: “If Cristiano considers himself the best player in history, that’s fine, but those of us who see him train, there is no comparison.
“Messi is the best in history and we don’t see it any other way.”
Xavi, who went head-to-head with Ronaldo for club and country on numerous occasions during his own glittering career, added: “I imagine all of the managers in the world going out to stop Messi. Even if you do what Athletic Club did, man-mark him like in the Copa del Rey final, they still come out on top. He can’t be defended against.
“Messi is the difference-maker and we always tried to give the ball to him in space with time to unbalance them. Messi is the player that makes the most difference in the world. It’s more than obvious.”
The Ronaldo vs Messi debate is likely to continue long after both legends have hung up their boots.
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