A 1994 Brazil World Cup champion has claimed he was more technically gifted than Cristiano Ronaldo , but admits he still puts Lionel Messi above himself.
It is a bold statement, but it doesn't come from the usual place in football's greatest debate. Rather than focusing only on statistics, he split the conversation between natural ability and what is built over time.
That is why his answer stands out. He respects Ronaldo's achievements, but does not think the technical comparison is close.
Photo by MATEUS BONOMI/AFP via Getty Images
According to World Soccer Talk , Romario was asked outright if he thought he was better than Ronaldo.
"Yes. I was below Messi, and above Cristiano. Because Messi, in my opinion, is a guy who was born with that gift. It's innate. Everything he has, he already had when he was born," Romario said.
Romario did not dismiss Ronaldo's career. He simply separated natural feel and instinct from what is built through hard work.
For Romario, Messi is in a different class because his brilliance seems effortless. The Argentine's balance, vision and dribbling are the kind of qualities Romario believes cannot be taught.
He put himself between the two icons because he felt his own technical ability was closer to Messi's than Ronaldo's.
Romario's view of Ronaldo was not meant as a slight against his achievements. He drew a line between natural skill and what is built through sheer dedication.
"Cristiano became one of the greatest in the world throughout his career. In other words, his professionalism made him who he is.
"But technically, for example, no, they can't even be compared," the Brazilian icon stated.
That is the heart of the debate. Ronaldo's case is built on records, longevity and a tireless drive to improve. Romario respects that, but feels it belongs in a different category from where he places himself and Messi.
The Brazilian has the pedigree to back up his opinion. He led Brazil to the 1994 World Cup, starred for PSV, Barcelona and Vasco da Gama, and remains one of the game's most clinical finishers.
His ranking will anger Ronaldo fans, but Romario's logic is clear: Messi was born with genius, Ronaldo built his greatness, and Romario believes his own technical ability puts him above the Portuguese star.
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