Carlos Tévez has weighed in on the Lionel Messi versus Cristiano Ronaldo debate, drawing on his experience playing alongside both players. Speaking to former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand on the programme "Rio Ferdinand Presents", Tévez identified what he sees as the fundamental difference between the two.
Tévez favoured his Argentine compatriot Messi, citing the natural, instinctive quality of his play. By contrast, Tévez described Ronaldo as relying on relentless work and intensive training to refine his technical and physical abilities. Ronaldo drilled constantly on details such as movement and dribbling, whereas Tévez said he never saw Messi practise dribbling in the same deliberate manner. Instead, many of Messi's tricks came spontaneously.
On other aspects, Tévez found the two closely matched in strength and hunger. He credited their rivalry with sustaining both at the highest level for years. However, he gave Ronaldo a clear advantage in aerial play and heading ability, while noting that both players improved significantly in finishing quality and accuracy over their careers.
Tévez's assessment carries weight from direct experience: he was Ronaldo's team-mate at Manchester United between 2007 and 2009, and played alongside Messi for Argentina. His choice of Messi reflects that personal experience but does not settle the broader debate over the two players.
Source: goal.com
