Ex France Defender Gives Honest Explanation on Why Ronaldo Can’t Be Compared to ‘Football God’ Messi

• Former France defender Adil Rami has weighed in on the GOAT rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi
• Rami elaborated on the unique aspects that set Messi apart from Ronaldo and any other player in the world
• His time in La Liga saw him in fierce competition with Barcelona and Real Madrid during the prime of Messi and Ronaldo's careers

Adil Rami, the former France international and a member of the 2018 World Cup-winning squad, has recently weighed in on the timeless Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi rivalry, sharing his candid insights about the iconic pair.

Having crossed paths with the Al-Nassr and Inter Miami superstars during his tenure in La Liga, which included stints at Valencia (2011-2014) and Sevilla (2015-2017), the 37-year-old remains in awe of their unparalleled abilities.

Despite openly expressing his admiration for the Portuguese phenomenon, Rami discerns a distinctive quality in the celestial Argentine that sets him apart from all other players.

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"I repeat, I like Ronaldo, I like Messi. But you just can't compare Ronaldo to Messi," he told Zack Nani, as cited by Tribuna.

"Against Barca, we came together like an army just to face Messi... and we all went down together.

According to Transfermarkt, Adil, who is currently without a club following the expiration of his contract with Troyes on July 1, also revealed his sense of apprehension, prompting him to pray every time he faces Messi.

"I watched Iniesta, Busquets, Xavi... they were switching positions, but I didn't get tired of it. Once Messi received the ball... this was the moment I said 'Starf'Allah' [praying and seeking forgiveness from Allah]. That's it. He starts the move, and he accelerates.

"You just have to experience it. When he was starting to get closer with the ball at his feet, we were all panicking together.

"One always wanted to be the guy who stole the ball from Messi, but it was impossible. He's not some guy, he's not some footballer... every time he received the ball, we tightened up in defence because he was ready to give those good passes between the lines."

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Sports Brief also reported that Lionel Messi, the Inter Miami superstar, has claimed the seventh spot among the most iconic figures in the history of sports.

Notably, his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo did not manage to secure a place in the top ten list. As a seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, Messi's reputation as the greatest player of all time has garnered extensive recognition, especially following his instrumental role in securing Argentina's momentous FIFA World Cup victory in 2022.