“I Would Pick Messi” – Despite Wanting Al Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo to Win, Ex-Tottenham Icon Picks Lionel Messi as Favorite for Ballon D’or

Lionel Messi is the favorite to win the Ballon d’Or this year. His closest competitor this time is not Cristiano Ronaldo but a young Norwegian. Manchester City’s Erling Haaland is the second favorite to win the prestigious award. The Norwegian has broken the record of the highest goal scored in a single season in the Premier League. A former Tottenham Hotspur star, however, wanted to pick Ronaldo over Messi when asked about his take on the Ballon d’Or.

Haaland has scored a record 36 goals in 38 games and was an instrumental part of City’s treble-winning team. The former Benfica player, who chose Lionel Messi as he couldn’t pick his favorite Cristiano Ronaldo, explains why in a recent interview.

Rocha picks Lionel Messi as Ronaldo is out of contention

The heart of the Argentine and Inter Miami team, Lionel Messi is more than just a soccer player for many. Ronaldo and  Messi have defined modern soccer and the feats they’ve achieved are unworldly. Reasoning on the same line, Ricardo Rocha shares his opinion on why Messi is a clear choice for the Ballon d’Or win.

In his recent interview, Ricardo Rocha, the former Tottenham and Benfica player said, “I would pick Messi. He will win it (Ballon d’Or) because it was special to see him win the World Cup. It was more special for the Argentinian fans and the Argentinian country. It was special for people to see him win the World Cup.”

Rocha further added, “I would pick Ronaldo if I could. I have to say it as a Portuguese and I love his game and he’s still on top form but I think from everything that happened, I think Messi will take it.”

Cristiano Ronaldo’s switch to the Saudi Pro League has seen him getting left out of major nominations and a fall in ratings. The Al Nassr player is focused on his upcoming games and looks forward to winning more trophies with the Saudi Club.

Read more – Hours After FIFA’s Snub for 2023 ‘The Best’, Cristiano Ronaldo Pens 4 Words as He Prepares for Crucial Al Nassr Game

Cristiano Ronaldo is on a downward spiral

The nominations for the FIFA award for the best player 2023 are out. A big heartbreak for Ronaldo fans as FIFA snubs the Portuguese soccer star again as he’s not included in the 12 nominations for the prestigious award. However, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr teammate, Marcelo Brozovic, has been nominated for the award. Brozovic got the nomination on the back of his last year’s performance with Inter Milan.

Cristiano Ronaldo is also not included in the nominations for the Ballon d’Or. This is the first time in 20 years that the Portuguese soccer maestro will not be among the favorites to win the award. The bad news doesn’t end there, his soccer ratings have also plummeted in the wake of his Saudi move.

In the upcoming EA FC 24 (formerly known as EA FIFA) game, his rating has substantially decreased to 86. In last year’s EA FIFA 24, his rating was 90. Lionel Messi’s rating has also gone down to 90 with Kylian Mbappe, Haaland, and Kevin De Bryune taking the top spots.

Watch this story: Soccer Stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo Make a Huge Assist for Esports Space

Do you think that Ronaldo and Messi’s rating is justified? Let us know in the comments below.