Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo: Ballon d'Or winner Rodri settles GOAT debate

• Rodri has come out to explain who he thinks is the greatest layer in history between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
• The Spanish star was voted the best player in the world over the last one year after beating Vinicius Junior to the Ballon d'Or
• Messi and Ronaldo have won every Ballon d'Or award since 2008, save for 2018, 2022 and now 2024, which Rodri won

Rodri has spoken for the first time since winning the 2024 Ballon d'Or award at the end of last month in Paris, France.

The Manchester City midfield metronome surprisingly beat Vinicius to the Golden Ball after a dominant season for club and country.

Rodri poses with his 2024 Ballon d'Or award on October 28, 2024. Photo by Franck Fife.
Source: Getty Images

Official Ballon d'Or votes show he pipped the Brazilian to the award by just 41 votes to become the first defensive-minded player to win the award since Fabio Cannavaro in 2006.

The 28-year-old, who is currently sidelined with a long-term injury, addressed a myriad of issues in his interview with France Football.

Rodri addresses Messi vs Ronaldo debate

One of the questions he was put to task to respond to was the never-ending GOAT debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Rodri played against the two during his days at Villarreal and Atletico Madrid before moving to Manchester City.

"When I look at the amazing list of Ballon d'Or winners, I have to talk about Messi. He's won eight times, and honestly, I don't know if he even realises it. He's the best player in history."

Messi and Ronaldo have a combined 13 Ballon d'Ors between them, with Rodri becoming only the third player after Luka Modric and Karim Benzema to break the duopoly.

Rodri to Vinicius: I wouldn't have acted like that

The Euro 2024 MVP also addressed Vinicius Junior skipping the ceremony. Real Madrid were conspicuously absent from the October 28 ceremony after they got wind of the fact that Vinicius would lose out to Rodri.

"I have to respect everyone's decision. Although I wouldn’t have acted the same way. But they do what they want. When your talent is recognized at a high level, it’s worth attending, whether you win or not."

Vinicius Jr speaks after losing Ballon d'Or award

Legit.ng earlier reported that Vinicius shared his reaction after just missing out on the Ballon d'Or.

The Brazilian standout was considered a top contender for the award, but it ultimately went to Manchester City's Rodri.

Notably, neither Vinicius nor any Real Madrid representatives were present at the 68th Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris.

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Source: TUKO.co.ke