Suspended Against Favorite Victims, Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘Decline’ Unlike Lionel Messi Highlighted After Firing Blank for Portugal

Published 09/09/2023, 7:30 AM EDT

We may just be seeing the gradual decline of arguably one of soccer’s greatest. Cristiano Ronaldo is 38 now, and he has found it cumbersome to match his performance levels of the past. According to former Venezuelan soccer player turned pundit Ale Moreno, Ronaldo’s levels are declining with his age. Moreno also seems to think that Ronaldo is declining ahead of rival Leo Messi.

This comes after the Portuguese icon put in a subpar performance for Portugal in their Euro 2024 qualifiers last night. It’s no secret that Ronaldo’s peak is past him. And perhaps, he can’t go on putting in the same levels of output on the pitch as he ages. Now, Moreno has spoken to the media about his opinion on CR7’s ‘decline.’

Soccer pundit Ale Moreno thinks Cristiano Ronaldo is declining unlike Messi

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Speaking on ESPN FC’s podcast, Moreno said, “I said this during the World Cup, I said this right after the World Cup, and I continue to say this. We had a long conversation about Lionel Messi, unlike Lionel Messi, you’re seeing a decline in the performances of Cristiano Ronaldo with consistency.”

Further elaborating on Ronaldo’s performance Moreno said, “And what we saw today from him, if you’re watching the game and analyzing objectively is a guy who was step behind just about every single play. [A player] that couldn’t quite get to the ball in time, that seemed to be stretching for everything, that couldn’t quite anticipate where the ball was going to be or couldn’t make up the ground with speed.”

Citing Ronaldo’s achievements and the natural drop off with age, Moreno added, “Look it happens to everybody including some of the greatest players in the history of mankind and that is Cristiano Ronaldo and he has been that and more it. It doesn’t get any more productive than Cristiano Ronaldo and more consistent so when you see the drop-off it is clear.”

Most soccer players retire from international soccer in their 30s. While some retire from both club and international soccer after the 30-year mark. While it’s certainly divisive from player to player, Ronaldo seems to keep pushing on despite being 38. On the other hand, Ronaldo’s rival Lionel Messi seems to keep up his game levels.

Hours After Cristiano Ronaldo Ditched Portugal for Saudi, 39YO Veteran Contradicts CR7’s Stance

Messi has scored 11 goals and made 8 assists since his switch to Inter Miami. Messi even scored an exquisite free kick for Argentina in their 1-0 win over Ecuador recently. So it’s apparent that Messi isn’t facing the same touted decline as CR7. In addition to Moreno, another United icon has shared his thoughts on the 5x Ballon d’Or winner.

Ronaldo warned that he’s on his last legs by Dwight Yorke

Ronaldo completed his big-money switch to Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr in January 2023. However, according to former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke, Cristiano Ronaldo and the other stars who have joined the SPL are all grappling with their dwindling age.

In a conversation with Manchester Evening News, Yorke said, “The players who have joined that league, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, N’Golo Kante, and Karim Benzema, they were all in Europe when they were in their prime.” “They’ve gone to the Saudi Arabian league now they’re in their mid-thirties.”

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“Everyone knows when you reach that age, you’re on the last legs of your footballing career.” “Those big names resonate well with European football. But that’s only because they were in their prime in Europe, they’ve gone to the Saudi league because they’re older now,” he added.

Yorke’s comments ring true for most soccer players. But it remains to be seen just how long Cristiano Ronaldo can continue at the highest level as he nears his forties.

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What do you think about Ronaldo’s performances? Are they declining with his age? Let us know in the comments below!

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Written by:

With extensive knowledge & over 8+ years of experience as a soccer journalist, Gaurav knows the intricacies of the beautiful game inside out and is now working with EssentiallySports. He played as a No.10 on the pitch during his younger years, modeling his game around his idol Zinedine Zidane.

Edited by:

Jayant Chhabra

Suspended Against Favorite Victims, Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘Decline’ Unlike Lionel Messi Highlighted After Firing Blank for Portugal

Soccer pundit Ale Moreno thinks Cristiano Ronaldo is declining unlike Messi

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