“In that respect, Cristiano Ronaldo is the best in the world” - Bundesliga star on why he admires Ronaldo despite Messi being ‘better’ player

Bundesliga midfielder Hugo Larsson has explained why he prefers Cristiano Ronaldo to Lionel Messi despite believing the Argentine star is the better player. The legendary duo dominated the footballing landscape for over a decade, claiming 13 Ballon d'Or awards between them.

Larsson plays for the German side Eintracht Frankfurt who he joined from Malmo FF in 2023 for €9 million. The 20-year-old has featured 41 times for the side, scoring three times and providing three assists.

Speaking about the legendary duo on The Cooligans YouTube channel, the midfielder spoke of his admiration of Cristiano Ronaldo, saying:

“I don’t look up to him as a football player, [I look up to him] more of like a person. Growing up and realizing football is a lot about what goes on in your head and outside the pitch. And I think in that respect, Cristiano is the best in the world. I think the mentality he has [is something I really admire]."

The central midfielder continued:

“I think Messi is the better player but I like Cristiano more. He has this kind of cool aura and that is what kind of drew me into him. Even the hairstyle, while growing up, you want to look like him. I don’t look like him at all but still. But now it’s different when you really understand how much work he has put in to become himself."

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are at the end of their illustrious careers and will be remembered for their influence on the sport. The Portuguese star currently plies his trade for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League while his old rival plays in the MLS for Inter Miami.

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Cristiano Ronaldo declares rivalry with Lionel Messi over

Last year, Cristiano Ronaldo declared his rivalry with Lionel Messi over. The duo competed at the highest level for many years and their rivalry came to a head during their time with Real Madrid and Barcelona, respectively.

Ronaldo is one of the most prolific players in the history of the sport, bagging 763 goals and 240 assists in 1017 club games while bagging 130 goals for his country in 212 games. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner told the press that his rivalry with his Argentine counterpart was over, saying (via NBC Sports):

“The rivalry is over. It was good, a healthy rivalry that spectators liked a lot. Whoever likes Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t have to hate Messi or vice-versa because they’re both very good. They changed the history of football, and they keep on doing it.”

The Portuguese concluded by praising Lionel Messi and saying:

“We are respected throughout the world, that’s the most important thing. He makes his way, I make mine, even if we are playing outside Europe. He has done well, from what I’ve seen, and so have I. It’s about continuing. The legacy continues."

"The rivalry, I don’t see things like that. I’ve already said, we’ve shared the stage for 15 years and we ended up being, I wouldn’t say friends, because I never dined with him, but we are professional colleagues and we respect each other.”

Lionel Messi was a fitting rival for the legendary Portuguese star, scoring 735 goals and providing 355 assists in 904 club games while scoring 109 in 187 games for Argentina. He won the Ballon d'Or eight times for his efforts.