"The example that you have to follow" - Liverpool target compared to Lionel Messi admits Cristiano Ronaldo is his all-time idol

Jean-Michel Aulas recently compared Rayan Cherki with Lionel Messi. However, the latter has admitted that he follows Cristiano Ronaldo, hailing the Al-Nassr ace as the best in the world.

Cherki was regarded as one of Lyon's greatest-ever prospects, making his senior debut for the club in October 2019. The 21-year-old is renowned for his technical ability with the ball and dribbling skills.

Despite struggling to register enough goal contributions over the last few seasons, Cherki has flourished under manager Pierre Sage in the current campaign. He has garnered five goals and provided seven assists in 20 appearances across all competitions.

Former Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas was so impressed by Cherki's technical skills that he compared him to Barcelona legend Lionel Messi, telling Telefoot (via Get Football News France):

“Cherki is comparable to (Lionel) Messi in terms of technical quality."

In response, Cherki admitted he prioritizes entertaining the fans. As per the aforementioned source, he said:

“I am here to provide joy for people and to also enjoy myself too and I think that is what makes the difference, whilst being efficient all the while."

The France international also stated he has been following Cristiano Ronaldo's example over Lionel Messi:

“I had lots of idols but the one that I think is the best and the example to follow is Cristiano Ronaldo. Regarding his work and his longevity, that is the example that you have to follow."

Due to Lyon's financial woes which have reportedly resulted in them looking to offload their star players to generate funds, Cherki has been linked with a January transfer amid interest from Liverpool.

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"They made Messi the world champion" - Bruno Alves urges Portugal to follow Argentina's example and help Cristiano Ronaldo win the FIFA World Cup like Lionel Messi

Former Portugal star Bruno Alves has requested the Portugal national team to follow Argentina's example and help Cristiano Ronaldo win the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Lionel Messi's Argentina rallied together to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar to ensure the 37-year-old won the one trophy missing in his cabinet.

Cristiano Ronaldo is statistically the most dominant international footballer of all time, garnering 135 goals and 45 assists in 217 appearances across all competitions for Portugal. Despite his best efforts, A Selecao have yet to win the World Cup despite Ronaldo having five attempts.

Alves said (via @TheNassrZone on X):

“Cristiano always raises the flag of Portugal and that's why I think Portugal players have to do everything to be world champions. This is what I saw in Argentina, they made Messi the world champion, I saw their players dedicated and committed. I hope to see Portugal players do the same.”

To his credit, Ronaldo has helped Portugal win Euro 2016 and the 2019 UEFA Nations League. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi has aided Argentina in securing the World Cup, two Copa America trophies (2021, 2024), and the 2022 Finalissima.