Legendary English forward, Gary Lineker, recently revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo unfollowed him on Instagram due to his opinion in the long-standing Messi versus Ronaldo debate. This revelation has sparked a wave of reactions from sports fans and sports betting enthusiasts alike.
In an episode of "The Rest Is Football" podcast, alongside Micah Richards and Alan Shearer, Lineker disclosed that Ronaldo doesn't like him because he openly stated that Lionel Messi is a better footballer overall. When asked if this was the reason for the unfollowing incident, Lineker confirmed it with a simple "Yes."
This admission quickly turned into a light-hearted exchange among the hosts. Shearer jokingly asked if Lineker lost sleep over Ronaldo's action which prompted laughter all around.
Admiration for Messi
Lineker, who is widely regarded as one of England’s finest forwards ever, has never been shy about expressing his admiration for Lionel Messi. Whether on broadcasting duties or off it, he consistently maintains that while Ronaldo’s goal-scoring ability is extraordinary and commendable; in his view, Messi is the more complete footballer.
Even now, despite their advanced ages in football terms, both legends continue to significantly influence the game in different ways. Ronaldo, at 41 years old and currently playing for Al Nassr FC in Saudi Arabia, is spearheading their quest for a first league title since his arrival. He is also on the brink of achieving an historic milestone - scoring 1000 goals - with his current tally standing at 968.
On the other hand, Messi finds himself competing in Major League Soccer (MLS) where recent results have been somewhat inconsistent. His team has failed to secure a win in their last two matches following Javier Mascherano’s departure from the club. Despite these challenges, Messi continues to be a pivotal figure within his team and the league as a whole.
Despite these challenges both players face at this stage of their careers; fans worldwide are still hoping to see both icons on the biggest stage once more. The upcoming World Cup could potentially offer another chapter in one of football’s greatest rivalries. This era of football has been defined by how Messi and Ronaldo pushed each other to extraordinary heights. Everyone will have their favourites - that is part of the game's charm and appeal. For now, sports fans and sports betting enthusiasts alike should savour what remains of two legendary careers that have significantly shaped modern football.
