“A lot more natural, the people’s player”

Former French striker David Trezeguet has made his pick known in the never-ending Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo debate. The debate has raged for years, with both players competing with each other at the highest levels for nearly two decades.

Trezeguet spoke exclusively with Ballondor.com, revealing the difference between the pair of iconic players. He hailed Messi as the more natural player of the two, referring to Ronaldo as a European prototype and example for younger players, but his preference of Messi was apparent.

“I’ve always had a soft spot for Messi. He’s the kind of player I’d pay for a ticket to go and watch, he’s the different one. A player a lot more natural, the people’s player. Cristiano is a European prototype, an example. A guy I’ve been able to see day-to-day from a different angle as a Juventus player, watching his everyday life over three years, a guy who scored over 100 goals, a 100% professional.

One made his dream of winning a World Cup, the other one goes in search of it. So, on a personal level, or in that objective, it’s human and spontaneous to want more because they know it’s their last competition”, he said.

David Trezeguet was part of the France squad that won the FIFA World Cup in 1998 and reached the final right years later. He played in the same era as both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo before he ended his career 12 years ago.

Messi and Ronaldo are playing in their sixth edition of the World Cup this summer aged 39 and 41, respectively. Individual choices differ when picking between both players, but the fact that they are arguably the greatest duo to play in the same era as contemporaries is undeniable.

Cristiano Ronaldo beats Lionel Messi to FIFA World Cup record

Cristiano Ronaldo has beaten rival Lionel Messi to another FIFA World Cup record after Portugal faced Croatia. The 41-year-old was on the scoresheet as his team recorded an important victory that sends them to the Round of 16 of the competition.

Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo’s goal made him the oldest player to ever score in the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup. He also became the oldest player to feature in a knockout match in the competition in the same game.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have spent the summer breaking records and surpassing other icons of the game. With the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner in action less than 24 hours from his rival, he will also be out to claim some records for himself.

Edited by Sulayman Salahudeen