"An absolute nightmare for me" - Ex-Spanish goalkeeper explains why he would prefer to face Cristiano Ronaldo over rival Lionel Messi

Former Spanish football star Roberto Jimenez has revealed that it was harder to play against Lionel Messi than Cristiano Ronaldo. The goalkeeper added that he never wanted the Argentine's shirt but regrets not getting it.

Speaking on the Los Fulanos podcast, Jimenez stated:

"I could never stop Messi. Whenever he got close, he scored. Cristiano plays differently and gives you more chances to stop him, so it is more fun. Messi has been an absolute nightmare for me. I have the shirts of all the great players I have faced and those of my friends, but I never wanted Lionel Messi's.

"Now, I regret it because, when time passes, you say, 'Well, I've played against him.' If he drove me crazy, it's because I was there, too, on the same field as him, but I never asked him for his shirt because he always humiliated me."

He added:

"A few years ago, a beer brand gave a beer to each goalkeeper that Messi had scored a goal against. So, of course, I have the beers at home. I have 13. I think I'm one of the goalkeepers who has the most."

Jimenez faced Lionel Messi seven times in his career, and the Argentine scored 13 goals on the goalkeeper.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo edging closer to retirement

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated the world of football for the last two decades. Both players have left European football and are now edging closer to their retirement.

The Argentine has joined Inter Miami after leaving PSG in 2023 and has played a key role in them winning the Leagues Cup and MLS Supporters' Shield. Messi has confirmed that there are just a few years left in his career and cast doubt on the possibility of playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in 2022 after his contract at Manchester United was terminated. He has also admitted that he is in the final years of his career and is close to calling it quits.