Gary Neville made a huge error in comparing Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo after dubbing the latter as the better goal scorer. The clip, taken from Monday Night Football (MNF), was not the best way to showcase Ronaldo in a better light. When Manchester United re-signed the Portuguese legend, the news made headlines.
Every football channel and media outlet was covering the story. Pundits began discussing how the player would fit into the club and whether he was the right player to purchase. Jamie Carragher was one of the few pundits who criticized the signing, stating that he was too old and was not the right person to sign.
On the other hand, Gary Neville loved the signing. He had previously played with Cristiano Ronaldo when he first signed for the club. Now re-signing as one of the best in the world, the ex-player was jubilant that his club managed to get the player. Gary Neville tried to make the point that Ronaldo was a better goalscorer than Messi after comparing the two’s stats on MNF.
Upon seeing the stats in front of him, the pundit paused for a moment. Lionel Messi had a much better goal-to-game ratio than Ronaldo did. Messi has scored 672 goals in 779 appearances, and Ronaldo has scored 676 in 896 appearances. The clip has been making the rounds on the internet, with many fans laughing at the point Gary was trying to make.
The pundit seemed lost for words and stuttered from time to time as he kept speaking. Towards the end of Cristiano’s second tenure at the club, Gary also began criticizing the player and was famously ghosted on live TV by his former teammate.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi’s ridiculous stats
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are two of the most venerated names in the world. Since 2008, both icons have always been the favorites to win the Ballon d’Or. This went on for a decade until Luka Modric finally broke the hold that these two had on the award. These two players have achieved almost everything in their illustrious careers.
While Cristiano Ronaldo has 724 goals and 230 assists in 976 games at club level, Lionel Messi has 721 goals and 344 assists in 887 appearances. Ronaldo holds the record for most goals scored in a Champions League season with 17 and is the tournament’s current top scorer with 140 goals.
On the other hand, Messi holds the record for most goals scored in a calendar year scoring a ridiculous 91 goals in 2012. Needless to say, Lionel Messi won the FIFA World Cup and completed his dream in 2022 after 5 MOTM performances in the tournament.
The Portuguese legend was pivotal for the Real Madrid side, which won three back-to-back Champions Leagues. It is a feat that has never been achieved since its rebranding. Both Messi and Ronaldo have elevated the sport and emerged as the two greatest icons of football.
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