Fabio Capello: "Cristiano Ronaldo is a great player, he won the title, the Ballon d'Or, but as I said before, he is not as great as Messi. Cristiano Ronaldo is a great goalscorer, he knows how to do everything, but he's not a genius. Messi, Pele and Maradona are the real geniuses. ”
Capello
In order to assess Capello's comparative statement to Messi and Ronaldo, the editor needs to consider their accolades and achievements. Both players have had extraordinary careers, and the list of their accomplishments is extensive. Here's an overview of the comparison based on the available information:
Messi's achievements
Ballon d'Or/FIFA Ballon d'Or: Messi has won the Ballon d'Or eight times, the most of any player [1].
FIFA World Cup: Messi won the World Cup with Argentina in 2022.
Copa America: Won with Argentina in 2020/21.
La Liga goals: Holds the record for most goals scored in La Liga with 474 goals.
Spanish Super Cup goals: 14 goals scored, record-holding.
Guinness World Records: Record for most goals scored by a single club in a year (91 goals).
World Cup winner
Cristiano Ronaldo's achievement
Ballon d'Or/FIFA Ballon d'Or: Ronaldo has won five Ballon d'Or, the most of any European player.
UEFA Champions League goals: Holds the record for most goals scored in a UEFA Champions League.
European Championships and Nations Leagues: Won the European Championship with Portugal in 2016 and the UEFA Nations League in 2019.
Real Madrid and Manchester United achievements: Ronaldo has won numerous titles at both clubs, including multiple league titles and the UEFA Champions League trophy.
European Cup winners
analysis
Both Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have had illustrious careers, winning numerous individual and team accolades. Messi's achievements highlight his astonishing consistency and success at club and international level, including winning the World Cup, which is often considered the pinnacle of football success.
Cristiano Ronaldo's career has been equally outstanding, with significant achievements and a track record, particularly in the Champions League, showcasing his ability to perform at the highest level in different leagues.
Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
Capello's statement, which compares Messi to football's "true talents" such as Pele and Maradona, may be referring to Messi's ability to change the game not only by scoring goals, but also by his passing ability. Ronaldo is known for his physicality, versatility and goalscoring ability and is considered a great scorer.
In conclusion, while both players have their unique strengths and have achieved great success, the evaluation of who is greater often comes down to personal preference and the specific qualities that are valued in a footballer. Capello's views seem to place more emphasis on the natural "genius" and creativity of the players, and he believes that Messi, Pele and Maradona possess more of this quality.
Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo