The forward has responded to the Spain legend’s recent comments
Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has hit back at comments by former Barcelona midfielder Xavi that claim the 31-year-old is unfortunate to be playing in the same era as Lionel Messi.
Ronaldo and Messi are considered the best two footballers on the planet, while there is a split opinion on who is the number one. However, as expected, Xavi recently hinted that Messi was the better of the two players.
But the Real forward, who won the European Championships with Portugal this summer, doesn’t shy away from the fact he thinks he’s the world’s best and has since lashed out at Xavi’s claims.
Following Real Madrid’s 5-2 home win over Osasuna, in which Ronaldo netted the opener after six minutes, upon his return from injury, the Portugal winger said: “The most searched for player on the Internet is me.
“Those that want to appear on front covers [of newspapers] or promote things speak about me.
“What does it matter to me what Xavi says? He plays where? In Qatar or [somewhere], I don’t know. He’s won everything but he’s never won a Ballon d’Or. I have three.”
Messi currently boasts two Ballon d’Or crowns more than Ronaldo, and Xavi said earlier in the week on Spanish radio: “Only a fool could have played football and not recognise Cristiano is an elite footballer. But he just has had bad luck to be around at the same time as Leo.”
But while Messi may boast more personal accolades on a world level, Ronaldo has had better luck on the international stage, securing his first major international honour with Portugal at Euro 2016, this summer.
Meanwhile, Messi temporarily retired from international duty this summer, after missing a penalty in Argentina’s second consecutive penalty shoot-out defeat in the final against Chile, in the Copa America.
