"What kind of statement is this?" - Fans slam Rodri for his comments about Cristiano Ronaldo while praising Lionel Messi

Fans lambasted Manchester City superstar Rodri for his comments about the 'difference' between legendary forwards Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The Spaniard claimed that the Argentine is 'dangerous' from 'anywhere' on the field of play while the Portuguese talisman's proficiency is limited to the penalty area.

Rodri recently lifted the Ballon d'Or title, beating the likes of Vinicius Jr, Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham. Although he is widely considered to be one of the best midfielders in world football at the moment, his recent statements have irked a host of fans.

On Spanish television show El Hormiguero, Rodri said (via @TheEuropeanLad on X):

"Cristiano Ronaldo was able to match Lionel Messi without any natural talent, but as players who faced them both, we know the difference. With Cristiano, we didn't want him to enter the box because he was deadly there. But with Messi, he would be dangerous with getting the ball anywhere on the pitch."

Fans took to X to express their dismay at the 28-year-old's words. @Wizarab10 wrote:

"Ronaldo is always disrespected. What kind of a statement is this? Messi might pose more of a threat to you, and that is fine. But to claim CR7 has no natural talent is insane."

@UTDkingsley wrote:

"This “Ronaldo had no natural talent” narrative is just stupid."

Here are a few more fan reactions (via X):

"Without any natural talent? Rodri is foolish," @47kasz claimed.

"Rodri's been speaking too much since his Ballon d'Or," @JPDecemberOnYT wrote.

"Rodri, his opinion is just wrong and misplaced. Messi and CR7 are the greatest footballers of all time. Both have a great amount of talent, and they both play above 100% all the time and on all cylinders. Enjoy greatness," @awsports23 asserted.

"This is just a blatant lie," @FreeAgen_ wrote.

"What a fool. Ronaldo having no natural talent is the biggest myth in football that kids believe," @hajjball wrote.

"If you think Ronaldo is not talented, you didn’t think," @Hakeem_Onitolo claimed.

"This guy talking as if he has any special talent himself lmaooooo, Pep (Guardiola) saved your life buddy," @ArminCFC_ wrote.

"There is no amount of work that you will put in that will give you Ronaldo numbers without huge talent. Stop trying to change history. Shut up Rodri," @Wesdinho_ wrote.

"I have no doubt about it" - Rodri picks between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the eternal GOAT debate

Manchester City superstar Rodri picked Argentine maestro Lionel Messi as the greatest player of all time over Portuguese talisman Cristiano Ronaldo.

The pair have won 13 Ballon d'Or titles between them, forming one of the greatest individual rivalries in footballing history. They have scored over 800 goals each, with their incredible videogame-like exploits leading to a raging debate amongst fans to decide who is better.

In an interview with Spanish TV Channel Antenna 3's show El Hormiguero, Rodri made his pick between the two legnedary forwards. He said (via 90Min):

"I have no doubt about it, Messi."

The 37-year-old Argentine currently plies his trade in Major League Soccer for Inter Miami, while the 39-year-old Portuguese forward plays for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.