Gary Lineker believes Cristiano Ronaldo unfollowed him on social media due to his assertion that Lionel Messi is the better footballer. The Messi versus Ronaldo debate remains one of football’s most enduring rivalries.
The two global superstars have accumulated 13 Ballon d’Or titles between them, with Messi claiming eight and Ronaldo securing five throughout their illustrious careers. Lineker, who spent time at Barcelona during his career, has consistently maintained his view that Messi is ahead of his great rival.
Ronaldo has repeatedly insisted that his accomplishments surpass those of Messi. It is precisely this reason why Lineker believes the current Al-Nassr forward chose to unfollow him on social media.
Appearing on the Rest is Football Podcast, Lineker said: “He doesn’t like me very much, Cristiano Ronaldo. I didn’t upset him by anything I said about him.
“Other than the fact I’m honest and think overall Messi’s a better football. He unfollowed me on Instagram. I’ll get over it.”
After that comment amused his co-hosts Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, Lineker jokingly added: “I will always like him. I’ve met him a lot of times. I know he’s got the hump with me. But that’s OK. And on that note… Please Cristiano… give me a call. Let’s be friends again.”
For Ronaldo, however, the question of who reigns supreme between himself and Messi is no joking matter. During a Spanish television interview in February last year, he elaborated extensively on why he considers himself the greater of the two players.
Ronaldo told LaSexta TV: “I’m the best player in football history. I haven’t seen anyone better than me in football history, and I’m saying truth from my heart.
“I’m talking about numbers. I think I’m the most complete player to have existed. In my opinion, I think it’s me. I do everything well in football: with my head, free kicks, left foot. I’m fast. I’m strong.
“One thing is taste. If you like Messi, Pele, Maradona, I understand that and I respect that, but saying Ronaldo isn’t complete … I’m the most complete. I haven’t seen anybody better than me, and I say it from the heart.”
Following his achievement of becoming the highest goalscorer in history after netting twice in Al-Nassr’s 4-0 triumph over Al Wasl in the AFC Champions League last year, he further stated:”Who’s the best goal scorer in history? It’s about numbers. Full stop.
“Who’s the player in history who’s scored the most goals with their head, their left foot, penalties, free kicks? I was looking the other day, and not being left-footed, I’m in the top 10 goal scorers with their left foot in history – and with my head and with my right foot and penalties. All of them.”