A match official has disclosed the significant distinctions in handling Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo during a game.
Messi and Ronaldo, widely regarded as the top players of their era, used to frequently compete in the El Clasico clashes between Barcelona and Real Madrid.
- Victor Osimhen drops hint about possible Chelsea move
- Barcelona to offer No.10 shirt to Mason Greenwood after £40m bid
- EXPLAINED: Why footballers cut holes in their socks before matches
With Ronaldo now a member of the Saudi Pro League team Al Nassr, and Messi playing for the MLS side Inter Miami, their on-field encounters have become less frequent.
However, they are set to face each other, possibly for the last time as professional footballers, in February 2024 during the Riyadh Super Cup between their respective teams.
Despite their remarkable on-field achievements and trophy collections, comparisons between the two have always sparked intense debates. In the realm of social media, discussions about Messi versus Ronaldo rarely conclude with a consensus favoring both players.
Honduran referee Said Martinez, who has officiated matches involving both players, shared his insights in an interview with the Honduran sports paper Diario Diez (quotes via AS).
“They are two totally different personalities, but both are great players,” he began. “I don’t think one stands out over the other.
“Refereeing Messi is a little calmer, he is a player who plays the ball and thinks about his game more than anything else. Cristiano Ronaldo is a little more demonstrative without being disrespectful.
“But refereeing them is a privilege anyone would like to have. Seeing them both score a free kick is something I will never forget.
“With Messi, we shook hands before the game. I welcomed him and he thanked me. At the end of the game, I also remember that when everyone was chanting his name, he went to shake my hand, I will always remember that.
“With Cristiano, my anecdote is him complaining to me, confronting me, because I disallowed two of his goals. He didn’t even trust the VAR.
“Before the start of the second half, I called him over and let him know that I didn’t like the way he had come up to me. He admitted he was wrong, and agreed with me.
“Then, he focused on playing and scored a phenomenal goal from a free kick that helped his team win.”
