Gary Lineker has revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo refused to speak to him due to his opinion of Lionel Messi.
Over the last few years, one of the biggest debates amongst football fans is whether Ronaldo or Messi is the undisputed GOAT of football.
During their illustrious careers, both players have been breaking records left, right and centre and they often went head-to-head during their time in La Liga, with Ronaldo playing for Real Madrid and Messi for Barcelona.
Speaking about the rivalry, former Barcelona and England striker Lineker revealed that Ronaldo refused to speak to him in the past.
During the BBC’s coverage of Portugal vs South Korea at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Rio Ferdinand spoke about Ronaldo.
He said: “It’s weird because he’s achieved so much so what more is there for him to aim at? But he’ll be scratching around so he’s got something to aim at because he needs that fuel.
“He uses every single comment from a pundit, comment from the media, report or record that’s available as fuel.”
At this point, Lineker said: “I can tell you from my own experience that if you harbour the opinion that Lionel Messi is the better footballer, then he doesn’t want to speak to you.”
Ferdinand then joked: “He doesn’t like you Gary.”
Lineker then continued: “That’s okay. I understand that even though I have adored watching his career. He’s an incredible footballer but a bit touchy on that particular subject.”
As per The Express, Lineker said back in 2020: “People get very tribal in all sorts of ways in life, and Messi versus Ronaldo is one of them.
“I am a huge fan of Ronaldo too, but if you’re talking about the best player ever, there shouldn’t even be a debate that it is Messi. That’s just my opinion, but it’s not even close for me.”
Responding to the statements from Lineker, netizens have shared their opinions:
“His opinion. To me, C Ronaldo is the 🐐. Sincerely speaking, I can’t pay to watch Messi. No hard feelings..”
“This one has come to shake table gain. He Gary played for Barcelona and we don’t expect him to say otherwise. But Ronaldo the Super Mario that has springs on both legs is the GOAT. He even has invisible leg on his head.”
“These former mediocre players should stop being envious, and leave Ronaldo alone. One thing’s for sure; Ronaldo did better than them, and achieved way more than they ever could.”
“The whole world knows who’s the best, only insecure fellas are dragging the GOAT debate. The records are in public glare. Nothing is hidden.”
“Ronaldo is right to ignore you, attention seeker.”
