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‘Cristiano Ronaldo Can Play In All Positions But Lionel Messi Can’t,’ Claims Saudi League Legend

Published 12/29/2023, 1:35 AM EST

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To a faction of players, pundits, and fans, Lionel Messi’s 2022 World Cup Win gave him an edge over Cristiano Ronaldo in soccer’s GOAT debate. This view, however, is far from undisputed. A remarkable lot out there still roots for the Portuguese veteran. Former Saudi League star Omar Al-Somah is one among them. Though he has the utmost respect for the Argentine legend, Al-Somah says Ronaldo out-classes the Inter Miami man in areas such as ‘sophistication and physical strength’.

His goal-scoring prowess aside, Cristiano Ronaldo has always stood out for his phenomenal athleticism. This vigor, according to Al-Somah, has equipped CR7 to do certain things that Lionel Messi is not capable of.

‘Complete Player’ Cristiano Ronaldo is more versatile than Lionel Messi

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In a recent press conference, former Al Ahli star and current Al-Arabi striker Omar Al-Somah gave his verdict on the Messi-Ronaldo GOAT debate. Personally, I prefer Ronaldo. Ronaldo is a complete player. There are things that exist in Ronaldo that do not exist in Messi, such as sophistication and physical strength. Ronaldo can play in all positions, Messi, for example, cannot play as a striker. Ronaldo is as left-footed as his right. Ronaldo can score a goal from 30-35 meters, but I don’t think Messi is capable of doing that,” said Omar Al-Somah.

Thanks to his tall stature, CR7 has the physical edge over Lionel Messi, regarding header goals. Al-Somah further highlighted this and iterated he thinks the Al Nassr star is a ‘complete player’. The 38-year-old’s athleticism and physique have indeed made him a better versatile forward than Lionel Messi. But Cristiano Ronaldo is yet to be as good a playmaker as his Argentine rival. Furthermore, the Miami star overshadows CR7 in terms of matches won and titles secured. Speaking of titles, La Pulga surpasses his arch-rival in many debates due to his World Cup title. Anyhow, the latter might do everything in his power to raise the stakes.

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The Ronaldo-Messi debate is far from finished!

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In February 2024, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will face each other in the Riyadh Season Cup, in an Al Nassr-Inter Miami match. The clash is dubbed ‘The Last Dance’. Possibly for the last time, the soccer world will get to see if Al-Somah’s ‘complete player’ can outdo his arch-rival. Anyhow, CR7 is still missing the last piece of the jigsaw; a World Cup trophy. Per recent reports, the veteran might give soccer’s most valued possession one last shot.

According to Portugal coach Roberto Martinez’s recent admission, Ronaldo is interested in completing 250 matches with the Portugal national team. He currently has 205 caps for his nation. The proposed target of 250 matches will see him appear at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, at the age of 41. That is one final chance for the Portuguese captain to complete the beautiful game, like Lionel Messi.

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What’s your take on this entire debate? Let us know in the comments below.

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Written by:

Krishna Prasad M

980Articles

One take at a time

My journey as a sports aficionado was not colored by soccer initially. The 2006 FIFA World Cup, however, changed me, as I fell in love with the beautiful game. From cheering on Real Madrid to channeling an inner analyst with my pals during every other World Cup and kicking the ball timelessly, soccer is now a therapy for me with boundless conversations.
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Edited by:

Daniel D'Cruz