Pique opens up on Messi’s greatness and Ronaldo comparisons: ‘We used to win matches 15-0, 20-0’ | OneFootball

FC Barcelona icon Gerard Pique is one of the greats of the game to have played with both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo – something that has often left him interrogated over the question of which of the two players is superior.

Over the years, the former defender has made it very clear what he appreciates about both star forwards, especially having seen them close-up and shared the field with them.

Overall, however, he has largely maintained that he ranks Messi as superior to Cristiano, although he has seldom explained in detail what he specifically admires about each player.

Pique compares the greats

When asked in a recent interview to make the pick between his two former teammates, Pique had absolutely no doubts in choosing Messi once again, but he explained his decision in great detail.

“I started playing with him when I was 13, and he was crazy. We used to win matches 15-0, 20-0, and he was scoring a lot of goals,” he began.

Speaking on the narrative of Messi’s height affecting his game and how the player used it to his advantage, the former defender said,

“There were questions about his size, because he was very short. Unlike Ronaldo, who was strong, and had high skills. He also used to play as a winger and not as a striker.”

“During his career, he knew the position where he could become more impactful, and score a lot of goals,” he added.

Pique then opened up on one of Messi’s earliest devastating injuries and how there was serious doubt if he would ever return to the same level.

Pique has weighed in on the Messi vs Ronaldo debate. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

“After 3 matches from when Messi started playing for the first team, his foot was broken following a strong tackle from Maves.”

“We were wondering about his ability to return from the injury and do the same things he used to do in the academy. We were saying: If he can do the same things, he will change the history of the game. And indeed, he did that,” he added.

Pique then praised Messi’s innate talent and admitted that the Argentine star was innately blessed with something no amount of practice could give.

“For me, Messi is the best in the world. I haven’t seen anyone with this level of talent, but Cristiano was indeed a machine that worked insanely every day.”

“In terms of work ethic, I haven’t seen anyone prepare as he did; he wanted to be the best. But in terms of talent, Messi is better,” he added.

Providing a clear picture of how he compared the two greats of the game, the former Barcelona centre-back said,

“I rank Messi as the best player in the world, and Cristiano comes second with a very slight difference. They are the best players in history. I was lucky to have played with both of them.”

“Both of them helped me win titles. They are completely different. Cristiano is capable of doing everything well, while Messi is pure talent. It depends on what you prefer; you choose one of them,” he added.

When asked if the presence of Ronaldinho had a bearing on Messi’s early development at the club, Pique agreed that there was no doubt.

“Absolutely. When you have a player of Ronaldinho’s calibre by your side to help you hone your talent, that’s better than being in a dressing room with legends who don’t care about you, or who are trying to ***k you.”

Finally, he remembered the dressing room of his days and how it was wildly different from the dressing room today.

“The dressing room used to be different from what it is today. I remember in my first days with the first team, it wasn’t possible to use your phone in the dressing room, or else they’d yell at you.”

“Today, you walk into the dressing room and find Lamine Yamal dancing,” he added.

Source: The Late Run