Which Legends Believe Ronaldo is Better Than Messi?

The Debate: Ronaldo vs. Messi

It’s the debate that never dies: Ronaldo vs. Messi. You probably have your own opinion by now, right? For many, Messi’s vision and playmaking are unmatched, but then there’s Ronaldo. His power, his consistency, his ability to rise to the occasion in big moments. But the question I want to explore today is a bit different. We’re not talking about fans, we're talking about football legends – those who have seen it all, done it all. Which of them actually believe Cristiano Ronaldo is the better player than Messi?

The Legends Who Lean Towards Ronaldo

Zinedine Zidane: A Real Madrid Perspective

Zidane. The French maestro, the man who led Real Madrid through some of its golden years. He’s been asked this question countless times. And despite his obvious ties to the club, Zidane doesn’t shy away from giving credit where it’s due.

From what I’ve heard (and it’s not like Zidane would ever say this publicly), he’s always appreciated Ronaldo’s work ethic, his mentality, and his leadership on the field. Sure, Zidane respects Messi, but he’s said more than once that Ronaldo’s versatility, his goal-scoring consistency in every league he’s played, and his ability to perform in high-stakes matches make him special. There’s this element of Ronaldo's "clutch" factor that Zidane values. I get it. When the chips are down, it's often Ronaldo who delivers.

Diego Maradona: The Ultimate Compliment

I still remember the day I saw the interview where Maradona was asked about the Messi vs. Ronaldo debate. It was awkward, to be honest. Maradona, the king of dribbling, the icon of Argentina, sitting there, trying to avoid picking one over the other. But then, in the end, he just had to say it: Ronaldo’s work ethic is something Messi can’t quite match.

Maradona admires Messi’s natural ability, but he’s said on several occasions that Ronaldo's dedication to constantly improving, to becoming a better all-around player, gives him the edge. Maradona doesn’t mince words, and when he gives Ronaldo credit, it hits differently. Maradona respects what Messi does, but Ronaldo’s commitment to perfection earns him points in the eyes of the legend.

Why Do Legends Choose Ronaldo?

Ronaldo's Physicality and Adaptability

Alright, let’s talk about this for a sec. Messi is incredible, but have you ever stopped to think about how different Ronaldo is physically? It’s not just that he’s strong or fast; it’s how he’s managed to maintain that level of performance year after year, even as he’s aged. Look, I’m not saying Messi doesn’t do the same, but you have to admit, Ronaldo’s body is a testament to his discipline.

A legend like Thierry Henry once mentioned that while Messi’s magic is undeniable, Ronaldo’s ability to adapt to different leagues and systems — from Manchester United to Real Madrid, Juventus, and back to Old Trafford — is something Messi never really had to do. He’s always been in Barcelona’s system. And don't get me started on that crazy moment when Ronaldo started scoring insane goals in Italy after everyone thought he’d slow down. It’s just a level of resilience you can’t ignore.

Big Game Moments

Let’s not forget how Ronaldo has come alive in some of the biggest moments. Think about his clutch performances in the Champions League or even in international tournaments like the Euros. Messi has had his share of big moments, no doubt, but it’s hard to find someone who rises to the occasion like Ronaldo, especially when it matters most.

I was chatting with a friend the other day who’s a huge fan of Ronaldo. We were talking about the 2016 Euro final, and he made a good point: Ronaldo was off the field for most of the match, but his presence was still felt. His leadership, his energy, his drive were all over that game. Messi might have similar qualities, but Ronaldo has that extra "something" when it comes to taking responsibility in the most defining moments.

The Ronaldo-Messi Divide Among Legends: What’s the Real Story?

The Generational Divide

Here’s the thing: the older legends, the ones who played in the 80s and 90s, often lean towards Ronaldo. It’s partly because of the way he’s revolutionized the game. The professionalism, the commitment, the all-around game — it’s almost like he’s a blueprint for the modern player. Legends like Ronaldo Nazário (a personal idol of mine) have praised Ronaldo’s evolution and his ability to maintain peak performance into his 30s.

But the younger legends, who grew up watching Messi’s rise, tend to gravitate toward the Argentine. The way Messi dribbles, his vision, his playmaking — that’s something they can’t ignore.

Personal Preferences and Football Philosophy

You know, I often think it comes down to personal preference. It’s about what you value most in a player. Some legends believe Ronaldo is a product of hard work and dedication, while others argue Messi’s natural genius is more of a rarity in football. It’s funny, though, because the debate never really has a "winner." It’s all about perspective. I mean, even a few weeks ago, I heard Ronaldinho say he preferred Messi, but he also said Ronaldo’s consistency makes him a "machine." Go figure, right?

Conclusion: Is Ronaldo Truly Better?

So, after all of this, do we have an answer? Well, sort of. Football legends have varied opinions, but there’s a common theme — Ronaldo’s physicality, mentality, and ability to rise to big occasions are what set him apart. It’s not just about being good, it’s about being great when it counts. But hey, that doesn’t mean Messi doesn’t have his own unique genius, right?

Personally, I’m still on the fence. I admire both players, but I do see why some legends consider Ronaldo the better of the two. His all-around game is almost too perfect to ignore. What do you think though?

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.