Scolari on Cristiano Ronaldo ‘genius’ and why he never picked Lionel Messi in Ballon d’Or voting | OneFootball

Luiz Felipe Scolari has reflected on Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, discussing his Ballon d'Or voting and Ronaldo's rise.

"Messi told me, 'Boss, you never voted for me for the Ballon d'Or, you always voted for Cristiano.' I replied, 'I have to vote for Cristiano, he is like a son to me.' Messi is a genius. Cristiano was not born a genius. He became a genius through his will and dedication."

He was speaking on the Brazilian programme Abre Aspas.

"Ferguson would call me and say, 'Scolari, tell him not to take free kicks today, because he's already taken 30 here.' ... 'But that's his dedication.'"

"I was with him a year ago and I asked, 'Are you working towards the 1,000 goals?' ... I think he'll achieve it."

"They called me and told me what had happened. I called him into my room, hugged him, cried with him, and told him he was free to go. He replied, 'First the national team. My father would want me to play.'"

The year 2026 is widely seen as a potential final chapter in their rivalry, with both preparing for a record sixth World Cup in North America. For Ronaldo it could be a last chance to win the one major trophy missing, while Messi remains central to the reigning champions and among the favourites to defend the title.

Source: Goal.com