Paul Scholes once made his choice clear while choosing between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as ‘better’ footballer!

Cristiano Ronaldo’s former Manchester United teammate, Paul Scholes, once picked Lionel Messi over the Portuguese superstar. This may seem surprising after the ex-English midfielder played 183 matches across competitions with Ronaldo, bagging nine joint-goal contributions.

Both Messi and Ronaldo are considered among the greatest to have set foot on a football pitch. However, it is the Argentina captain who has three more Ballon d’Or trophies (eight and five) compared to his arch-rival.

When asked to pick between the duo, Scholes wrote in the Independent back in 2015 (via GIVEMESPORT):

“Messi (is better) but Ronaldo is brilliant. Ronaldo is sensational at what he does, with pace and power. He scores, he takes free-kicks. But as an all-rounder, Messi- wow his passing, he has absolutely everything.”

Messi has achieved pretty much all there is to win in the sport, having won the Copa America twice with Argentina and the World Cup in 2022. He’s won 10 La Liga trophies and the UEFA Champions League on three occasions, among other honors, while at Barcelona.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo has also had an impressive career, having won the highest European club competition five times. He’s a three-time Premier League champion who has won Serie A and La Liga twice each.

Both stars have entered the final phases of their respective careers and exited Europe. Messi represents Inter Miami in the MLS, while Ronaldo plays for Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr.

Former Chelsea star believes Jude Bellingham is in the same bracket as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

Lionel Messi (left) and Cristiano Ronaldo
Former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas believes Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham is in the same bracket as greats Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The youngster secured a whopping €103 million move from Borussia Dortmund to the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer of 2023. He’s already won the UEFA Champions League and La Liga titles with the club.

Speaking about Bellingham, Fabregas told BBC Sport:

“He is hungry. The impact he has at his age is not normal. For this reason, he’s in the bracket as the Messi’s, the Ronaldo’s.”

Following his performances for England and Real Madrid, Bellingham is considered among the contenders to win the Ballon d’Or this year. Last season, he made 42 appearances across competitions, bagging 23 goals and 13 assists.

The 21-year-old also helped England to the final of Euro 2024, bagging two goals and an assist in the competition.