Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia recently expressed his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo as his idol over Lionel Messi. However, he also commended Messi as an extraordinary person following their encounter at the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi stand as the two greatest superstars of this generation, with both having a legitimate claim to the title of the greatest footballer of all time.
While on international duty, Kvaratskhelia disclosed his preference between the two legends, stating (via Dachi Tsurtsumia on X, h/t Calcio News 24):
“Ronaldo? When you have Messi as your historic rival, maintaining the same level all the time is extremely difficult, and that’s why I loved him. He won everything with his professionalism; for me, he was an idol, providing countless emotions with his goals.”
The two football icons have collectively won 13 Ballon d’Or awards, with Messi securing eight, the most in football history. The Argentine maestro was honored with the prestigious accolade during a ceremony in Paris, France, on October 30.
Kvaratskhelia also shared his experience of meeting Messi on the same night:
“Messi? At the Ballon d’Or award ceremony, he was sitting to my right. During the commercial break, they instructed us not to move, but suddenly he got up and approached me. I didn’t understand what was happening; he raised his arm and shook my hand. I appreciate him very much; he is an extraordinary person.”
Having had a promising start to the season for Napoli, Kvaratskhelia aims to emulate Ronaldo’s success, having scored three goals and provided five assists in 15 appearances across competitions.
Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi: Exploring Career Stats of Both Superstars
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia revealed Cristiano Ronaldo as his idol over Lionel Messi due to the former’s professionalism. Let’s delve into the career statistics of both superstars to determine who had the more impressive career.~~~~~~~~~
Cristiano Ronaldo boasts a phenomenal career, with his off-the-field dedication to fitness and nutrition being integral keys to his success. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has scored 865 goals and registered 246 assists in 1195 appearances for club and country, securing 35 major trophies. He currently averages an 88-minute goal contribution.
In contrast, Lionel Messi, widely regarded as the more technically talented of the two, has netted 821 goals and provided 361 assists in 1046 appearances for club and country. Messi, aged 36, has won 44 trophies, the most in football history, and averages a 73-minute goal contribution, slightly surpassing Ronaldo.
