Rio Ferdinand has revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo once sent him a text message slamming Gary Lineker’s view that Lionel Messi was a better footballer than him.
Ronaldo and Messi are known to have had an incredible on-pitch rivalry over the years, as this generation’s two biggest footballing superstars.
They have both traded Ballon D’Or’s, Champions League titles, Player of the Year awards – pretty much any of the top accolades you can name.
Of course, there’s the argument that fans should simply enjoy both whilst they are still playing – but there’s also always that fierce competitive edge. And Ferdinand’s comments certainly back that up in Ronaldo’s case.
Whilst on punditry duty for BBC Sport last night, the former Manchester United defender discussed some of what makes Ronaldo great, and says he uses negativity as “fuel” to improve even further.
Addressing host Lineker, he said: “It’s a great example to young players and he uses negativity as fuel.
“You’ve said some things like your preference would be Messi out of the two.
“He will send me a text saying, ‘I can’t believe he said that, can’t believe he’s done that.’ He just uses anything [as fuel].
“You think, he’s done so much in his life, ‘Why do you care about what anyone says about you? You know you’re the guy’.
“It’s the competitive nature. That’s all it is. And you need that.”
Ronaldo helps Portugal into knockouts
Ronaldo scored twice – both from the penalty spot – during Portugal’s 2-2 draw with France last night.
The result meant that Portugal progressed to the last 16 of Euro 2020 as one of the four best third-placed sides.
There were plenty of nervy moments, though, especially as at one point during the game, Fernando Santos’s men were bottom of the group whilst Hungary led against Germany.
Ronaldo and Portugal, however, made it safely through in the end, and will face Belgium in Seville on Sunday.
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