According to Katia Aviero, Cristiano Ronaldo‘s sister, the reason they avoid discussing Lionel Messi at home is because Ronaldo and Messi have been involved in a football rivalry spanning over 15 years.
Given their dominance in the sport and the countless discussions and accolades surrounding them, the family likely prefers to keep those conversations separate from their personal environment.
With a combined 12 Ballon d’Ors between them, among other achievements, the two are arguably the greatest players to ever grace a football game.
The rivalry hit fever-pitch during their days in Spain when Ronaldo used to turn out for Real Madrid and Messi for their Classico rivals, Barcelona. The duo has always maintained great respect for each other but have admitted they pushed each other to the limits.
Ronaldo vs Messi GOAT debate
The GOAT debate has also been a divisive issue among fans for quite a long time. In the Ronaldo household, they have a silent rule of not talking about Messi when the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is home. They do this to keep Ronaldo away from all the gruesome debates and routines of the outside world.
“We don’t talk about Messi at home. Cristiano knows that behind the door, there is a whirlwind. And that when he goes through the door from the outside to the inside, he is protected. That’s where that he recharges all his batteries,” Katia said in a 2018 interview.
Ronaldo left Los Blancos for Juventus in 2018 before rejoining Manchester United in 2021. His contract at Old Trafford was ripped up and he joined Saudi Arabia giants Al-Nassr. On the other hand, Barcelona’s financial issues saw them lose Messi on a free transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.
Roberto Carlos settles GOAT debate
Sports Brief reported that Cristiano Ronaldo is a better player than Lionel Messi, according to legendary Brazilian footballer Roberto Carlos.
It is undeniable that Ronaldo and Messi are incredibly talented and accomplished athletes who have achieved numerous records and accolades throughout their careers, but the question still lingers – who is the GOAT?
Offering his two pence on the discussion, Carlos, who was known for his intense love for training and dedication to his craft, tilted towards Ronaldo in the GOAT argument.