In the world of football, few debates ignite as much passion as the one over who reigns supreme between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Each player has their dedicated legion of fans and a list of accolades that could fill entire halls of fame. However, when Arsenal’s rising star Bukayo Saka weighed in on this age-old question, his choice was clear and accompanied by deep personal respect for Cristiano Ronaldo, whom he hailed as his childhood idol.
Saka’s Revelation: Ronaldo Over Messi
During a revealing session on the Men in Blazers podcast in March 2024, Bukayo Saka expressed his profound admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, an athlete he’s looked up to from a young age. Saka’s comments about Ronaldo not only shed light on his own aspirations and respect for the football giant but also highlighted the immense discipline and focus Ronaldo has maintained throughout his career. Saka said, “Personally I can’t [imagine playing for as long as Ronaldo], and that’s why I have so much respect for him. Obviously, when I was younger, he was my idol, but now that I’m playing football professionally, I have even more respect for him, how he’s managed to stay this disciplined and this focused and achieve everything he’s achieved, so yeah he’s special” (via GOAL).
This confession is significant, especially considering that Saka, despite his rising status, has only faced Ronaldo three times in Premier League clashes—once with a victory for Arsenal and twice with losses during Ronaldo’s tenure at Manchester United in the 2021-2022 season. Interestingly, Saka has never had the opportunity to play against Lionel Messi, which perhaps adds another layer to his perspective.
Ronaldo’s Empathetic Support for Messi
While the discussion often revolves around their rivalry, instances of sportsmanship and mutual respect between Ronaldo and Messi are not uncommon. One such moment came after Messi’s heart-wrenching decision to retire temporarily from international football following a disappointing defeat in the 2016 Copa America final. Messi’s emotional turmoil resonated with Ronaldo, who openly supported his counterpart. “Messi has taken a tough decision and people should understand. He is not accustomed to defeats and disappointments, not even finish the second. Missing a penalty does not make you a bad player. It hurts to see Messi in tears, and I hope he returns to his country, because he needs it,” Ronaldo remarked in a sympathetic tone during a 2016 interview with Mundo Deportivo.
The Legacy of Two Titans
As both players continue to build on their legendary statuses, their influence is felt across generations. Messi, for his part, has triumphed with Argentina in recent years, securing a World Cup in 2022 and two consecutive Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024. His trophy cabinet boasts an unmatched 46 titles at the club and international levels. Ronaldo, not to be outdone, has his own share of glory, including a pivotal role in Portugal’s 2016 Euros and 2019 Nations League victories.
As the football world continues to watch these two titans redefine the boundaries of the sport, the debate might never conclusively settle. However, for young talents like Bukayo Saka, the influence of these footballing icons is clear, serving not only as benchmarks of achievement but also as inspirations in their own burgeoning careers. The discussion over who is the greatest may rage on, but the impact of both Messi and Ronaldo on the sport is undeniable, and their legacies will inspire not just debates but also generations of players to come.
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