In football, rivalry often takes center stage, and the debate over who deserves the prestigious Ballon d’Or award is one that never seems to end. This time, the spotlight is on Cristiano Ronaldo and his rather contentious response to Lionel Messi‘s eighth Ballon d’Or win.
The controversy erupted when journalist Tomás Roncero voiced his opinion on Messi’s latest Ballon d’Or victory. Roncero made a bold statement, arguing that Messi’s success should be viewed differently. He pointed out that Messi had scored six penalties during the World Cup and suggested that he should have five Ballon d’Or awards instead.
See his tweet in the screenshot below;
He further claimed that Messi’s wins might have taken away recognition from deserving players like Haaland, Lewandowski, and the iconic duo of Xavi and Iniesta.
What sparked even more controversy was Cristiano Ronaldo’s engagement with this critical viewpoint. He not only liked the post but also left a comment, raising eyebrows within the football community.
Roncero’s remarks on Messi’s Ballon d’Or wins and Ronaldo’s response ignited a storm of opinions and judgments.
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Critics argue that Ronaldo’s actions were unprofessional and disrespectful towards his rival. Liking and commenting on a post that questions the legitimacy of Messi’s achievements may have cost Ronaldo the respect of some fans and pundits. It’s the second time he has engaged with a post celebrating Messi’s Ballon d’Or win, and this behavior has left many wondering about the motivation behind such actions.
As the saying goes, “winners celebrate and losers explain.” Some, like Piers Morgan, share the sentiment that the Ballon d’Or system is not without its flaws. Morgan believes that Messi’s latest win was preposterous, suggesting that the award system may be rigged. He asserts that Messi should have won two fewer Ballon d’Or awards, while Cristiano Ronaldo should have two more, and this year’s winner should have been Erling Haaland.
The debate over the Ballon d’Or and the rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo continues to captivate the football world. While fans and experts may have differing opinions on the matter, one thing is for sure – the discussion is far from over. The rivalry between these two football legends keeps the sport’s enthusiasts engaged and passionate, and that’s a testament to the incredible impact they’ve had on the beautiful game.
