Rakitic captures the Ronaldo – Messi difference in a special way: “God touched him”

Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic has waded into the eternal debate of who is the greater player between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, Soccernet.football reports.

Ronaldo and Messi are considered by many to be among the greatest footballers in the history of the game, with the two iconic stars sharing 13 Ballon d’Or

The Portuguese forward has earned his place in the conversation, as he has won five Ballon d’Or awards, a record three UEFA Men’s Player of the Year Awards, and four European Golden Shoes, the most by a European player.

The 39-year-old has made over 1,200 professional career appearances, the most by an outfield player, and has scored over 880 official senior career goals for club and country, making him the top goalscorer of all time.

Only Messi has been able to go head-to-head with Ronaldo over the last 20 years.

The former Barcelona playmaker has won a record eight Ballon d’Or awards, a record six European Golden Shoes, and was named the world’s best player for a record eight times by FIFA.

The Argentine wizard has the most international goals by a South American male (106) and has scored over 800 senior career goals for club and country, boasting the record for the most goals (474), hat-tricks (36), and assists in La Liga (192).

With his country, Messi won the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the only international trophy in his cupboard that Ronaldo does not possess.

After dominating the European football circuit for the past two decades, Ronaldo and Messi are seeing the latter end of their career in Asia and America, respectively.

Still, many continue to compare the Al Nassr and Inter Miami stars, with Ivan Rakitic being the latest contributor to the debate.

The former Sevilla midfielder, who spent six years together with Messi at Barcelona, is convinced that the captain of the Argentina National Team has no equal in the game ever as God specially favoured him.

“Messi is the best, but not only now,” Rakitic said, as per TNTSports.

“Without a doubt, he is the best in the history of football, and it was truly a pleasure to be with him all these years.

“I think God touched him in a special way. If he liked to play left-back, I think he would be the best left-back. If he wants to play goalkeeper, maybe he can’t because he’s not that tall, but he can choose what he wants.”

Rakitic compares Ronaldo to basketball great in terms of their devotion, commitment, and preparation that elevates their game.

He, however, highlights the difference with Messi, who produces excellence effortlessly.

“It’s like choosing what you prefer, the color red or the color blue,” Rakitic added.

“They say that Kobe Bryant practiced basketball since five in the morning, and Ronaldo may be like that too.

“But Messi puts on the boots and is the best in the world. I can simply say that he is a genius,” concluded the Croatian midfielder.