When Mourinho Stated Why Being Ronaldo Is Harder Than Being Messi

• Jose Mourinho once gave his insight into the debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi
• The accomplished Portuguese veteran had explained that the GOAT duo are stylistically different
• However, Mourinho believed Ronaldo's path to success in football had been tougher than Messi's

Jose Mourinho once provided his viewpoint on the enduring rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, shedding light on the differences between the two football legends.

Over a span of 15 years, the veteran duo commanded the world of football, amassing a wealth of individual and team accolades, including 12 Ballon d'Or awards between them.

As noted by ESPN, the legendary duo secured a combined total of 79 trophies and solidified their status as the only players to have each scored over 800 goals.

Notably, Messi ascended to become the most decorated football player, achieving his 44th trophy after playing a pivotal role in Inter Miami's victory in the 2023 Leagues Cup in August.

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Meanwhile, Ronaldo secured his first title with Al-Nassr, the club he joined in January after departing Manchester United, when he claimed the Arab Club Champions Cup.

Even as they approach the later stages of their careers, opinions remain divided about their respective legacies.

Mourinho analyses why being Ronaldo is harder

Known for his candid nature, AS Roma manager, Mourinho put forward a theory underscoring the challenges Ronaldo faced on his path to success, contrasting with the trajectory of Messi's career.

"I keep saying that it is harder to be Cristiano than to be Messi," he said as cited by CristianoXtra.

"Messi grew up in the team he plays for, with the teammates he plays with. Cristiano came from England to a team that was losing. He had to grow in the last 2 years with this team in construction."

He also elaborated on the tactical and technical nuances that distinguish the two GOATs.

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"Messi plays as a 9 or 9.5 in about 50 squared metres, closer to the goal with less defensive work. Cristiano, on the other hand, is a winger. How can a winger score the same amount of goals as a centre forward?"

Before the modernisation of the winger role, wide players were primarily creators rather than goal-scorers, a trend that has persisted over time.

"A winger that defends. A winger that ends a game in the 94th minute with a sprint chasing Pedro in a scoring situation. A winger that in dead ball situations comes 20 times to his own box because it's very important to the defensive setup."

Mourinho also suggested officials were more keen to protect the Argentine compared to the Portuguese.

"...With Messi, it's one foul, then a yellow card, and if you touch him again, you are out. It's much, much harder to be Cristiano. Let's stop kidding."

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Ronaldo's international football records

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Ronaldo scoring again for Portugal in their demolition of Bosnia and Herzegovina in UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying.

The veteran forward bagged a brace as the Selecao scored all five goals in the first half to become the first European to 100 international goals.