“Much more than just goals” - Netherlands legend makes incredible claim involving Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

Dutch legend Rafael van der Vaart has said that Lionel Messi is not only a great goalscorer but is also an excellent playmaker, while Cristiano Ronaldo is solely reliant on goals.

With 12 Ballons d’Or awards between them, Messi and Ronaldo are undoubtedly the two most decorated players of their generation. The superstar forwards have won it all at club level and are determined to add the elusive FIFA World Cup trophy to their collection.

Ronaldo’s Portugal and Messi’s Argentina are in the quarterfinals of the ongoing 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. While La Albicelste will take on Netherlands in the last eight, the Selecao will have to overcome a spirited Morocco side to book their place in the last four

In an interview ahead of Argentina’s clash against Netherlands, Van der Vaart spoke candidly about Messi and Ronaldo and what sets them apart from the rest.

The former Real Madrid man told Dutch outlet NPO Start:

“I played against Messi. You couldn't catch him. You wanted to kick him, but he was already gone. Now he is slower, and he walks even more, but he can still give that crucial pass. Ronaldo relies on his body and goals, but Messi is much more than just goals.”

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Lionel Messi has outperformed Cristiano Ronaldo at 2022 FIFA World Cup

Both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have made history in Qatar, becoming the only two players to play in five FIFA World Cups. They have created more records at the tournament.

Ronaldo's 65th-minute penalty in Portugal’s Group F opener against Ghana made him the only player to score in five World Cups. Meanwhile, Messi's assist in the 2-0 win over Mexico made him the first player to do so at five World Cups. Having also scored in that game, the 35-year-old is now both the youngest (19 years in 2006) and oldest to score and assist in the same World Cup match.

While Messi has scored three times in the tournament, Ronaldo hasn't had a goal contribution after netting in the 3-2 win against Ghana. He didn't start Portugal’s last-16 clash against Switzerland, with his replacement Goncalo Ramos netting a superb hat-trick in a 6-1 victory.

Messi, meanwhile, has been Argentina’s best player by a country mile. He has dictated the tempo of games with his passes, creating goalscoring opportunities, and also scoring goals. In four games, Messi has three goals and an assist, the most by an Albiceleste player in Qatar.