Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi's ex-teammate explains similarities and differences between PSG and Al-Nassr superstars

Liverpool midfielder Arthur Melo has lifted the lid on his experience sharing the dressing room with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Ronaldo and Messi are two of the greatest players of all time, having won 12 Ballons d'Ors between them. The two have also won almost every trophy available to them with club and country.

Players across the globe relish the opportunity to play alongside one of the two superstars. Arthur, meanwhile, is among a few who have played with both Ronaldo and Messi. The midfielder shared the dressing room with the former at Juventus and graced the pitch with the latter at Barcelona.

Explaining his experience playing with Ronaldo and Messi, Arthur said that the Al-Nassr and Paris Saint-Germain superstars' winning mentality is what sets them apart. The Liverpool midfielder added that that attitude is also a key similarity between the two.

"The (main similarity between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi is the) winning mentality," Arthur told TNT Sports (via Mais Futebol). "It could be the Champions League final or a friendly... the mentality of these guys is incredible.

"That's where you see that they are different, it's not just on the field, where everyone sees the goals or the touch of the ball. When you start working out in the gym, the diet, you see that their mentality is different. The most similar part of them is that winning mentality."

Arthur, though, said that Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have different personalities off the field, with the former being more playful than the latter.

"They are two personalities, off the field, a little different," Arthur said. "Leo is a little more reserved and Cristiano is a little more playful. But, in the working circle, the mentality of the two is something to be admired and (you should) try to get close to it. Of course, it has its price, it's very exhausting, but it's a price you have to pay to be such a winner."

At 38 and 35, Ronaldo and Messi are nearing the end of their illustrious careers.

---

How many games did Arthur Melo play with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi?

Arthur Melo remained on Barcelona's books for two years after joining them from Brazilian club Gremio in 2018. He played 60 games with Lionel Messi during that period and combined to score one.

The Brazilian linked up with Cristiano Ronaldo in Italy after swapping the Blaugrana for in 2020. The two played 25 games across competitions together for the Serie A giants before the Portuguese joined Manchester United in 2021 and combined to net one goal.