Former Real Madrid manager, Fabio Capello, has opined that while Portugal captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, is a paramount example of how to finish off chances, Argentina captain, Lionel Messi, is much better than him when it comes to pure brilliance.
Despite starting the season slowly, the former Manchester United star has scored more goals than his Argentine rival in La Liga. However, while the former England national team manager admitted to AS that the former Sporting starlet is a “great goalscorer,” Messi is far superior.
The 70-year-old quipped, "It's simple, Cristiano Ronaldo is a great goalscorer but he doesn't have the brilliance of Lionel Messi. Messi at the age of 17 or 18 was a genius, Cristiano was a good player who improved through hard work and effort and has become an excellent forward.”
The former Juventus manager then praised the Real Madrid number 7 as an excellent player, but also added that he doesn’t have Mess’s ability to pull off unbelievable moves—and that is what makes the difference, according to the Italian.
"He is not just a great player but an excellent one, however he doesn't have that ability to mesmerise or pull off moves that are unimaginable.
"That, for me, is the difference."
Cristiano Ronaldo should win the Ballon d’Or
Despite claiming that Messi is the better player, Fabio Capello believes that it is Cristiano Ronaldo who should win the Ballon d’Or given that he won the Euro 2016 with an unfancied Portugal side and also the Champions League with Real Madrid.
"Yes, certainly he's my favourite for the year," the Italian added. "He was instrumental in Portugal winning Euro 2016 and Madrid winning the Champions League.
"He'd be the worthy winner. However, when we talk about genius players then that's a totally different debate."
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo locked horns last night as the duo faced each other in another epic Clasico encounter at the Camp Nou whcih ended in draw. Real Madrid thus maintained an advantage of 6 points over their eternal rivals.
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