“He’s no Ronaldo in that regard" - When Emmanuel Petit highlighted the key issue with Lionel Messi with Cristiano Ronaldo comparison 

Former French footballer Emmanuel Petit once compared Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, claiming that the former lacks leadership qualities. The Messi vs. Ronaldo debate has been going on for over a decade, with fans and pundits comparing the two legends in every aspect.

Petit's comments were in the context of Argentina's poor performance in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Lionel Messi's side barely managed to qualify for the Round of 16 with only four points off three games. La Albiceleste won only one game in the group stage against Nigeria (2-1). They drew against Iceland (1-1) and lost to Croatia (3-0).

In an interview with Paddy Power News, Emmanuel Petit stated Lionel Messi lacked leadership qualities, unlike his rival Cristiano Ronaldo. He said (via football-espana):

“He’s not a leader. He’s no Ronaldo in that regard. Messi is one of the best players ever, but he needs to show that mentality. He needs to wake up! When things go well with Barcelona he’s a terrific player. We’ve seen it in the Champions League though, when things don’t go well, he can disappear on the pitch."

Petit added:

"He’s [Messi] not there anymore. He’s not running, he’s walking. He’s not concerned about the ball. Come on. The whole team’s body language was so poor, no confidence, no trust between each other. The way they looked, I cannot see Argentina qualifying now."

Argentina were eventually eliminated from the 2018 FIFA World Cup after a 4-3 loss to France in the Round of 16. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal also made it to the round of 16 with one win and two draws in the group stage (five points).

However, they bowed out of the tournament after a 2-1 loss to Uruguay in the Round of 16. Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick against Spain in the 2018 World Cup group stage as the match ended in a 3-3 draw.

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"It hurts to see Messi in tears" - When Cristiano Ronaldo urged Lionel Messi to reconsider his decision to retire from international football in 2016

In an interview with Mundo Deportivo in 2016, Cristiano Ronaldo offered support to his longtime rival Lionel Messi after the latter announced his retirement from international football. Messi's decision came after he lost three consecutive finals with Argentina - the 2014 World Cup and the 2015 and 2016 Copa Americas.

"Messi has taken a tough decision and people should understand. He is not accustomed to defeats and disappointments, not even finishing second. Missing a penalty does not make you a bad player. It hurts to see Messi in tears, and I hope he returns to his country because he needs it," Ronaldo said (via Bleacher Report).

Lionel Messi eventually changed his mind and returned to the Argentina national team. He has since won two consecutive Copa Americas in 2021 and 2024 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo has led his country to the 2016 Euros and the 2019 UEFA Nations League.