One of South Africa’s most recognisable Bafana Bafana strikers has given his verdict on the Ronaldo versus Messi debate, praising the Portugal star’s longevity and work ethic above Messi’s natural gift.
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Ex-Bafana Bafana striker weighs in
Shaun Bartlett weighed in on football’s longest-running debate, coming down firmly on the side of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Speaking on Sportpesa’s Shaun Bartlett World Cup Special, Bartlett reflected on Ronaldo’s World Cup exit, calling it a difficult way for his international career at the tournament to end.
“If it’s the end, it’s a sad way to go, but we will see what happens,” Bartlett said.
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He explained why he has long favoured Ronaldo over Lionel Messi. “I’ve been a Ronaldo fan for many, many years, purely on the fact that he’s done it in so many countries.
“To have played for so long, the longevity of his career and what he’s done, it just shows us what he’s capable of doing. And he’s a hard worker.”
Bartlett acknowledged Messi’s natural ability but said it was Ronaldo’s work ethic that ultimately won him over. “Messi has got the natural talent, and I think for me, I just admire the work ethic of somebody like Ronaldo.”
Originally published by Soccermag.
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