John Obi Mikel has said it is not possible to like Portuguese star, Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentina playmaker, Lionel Messi as one must have a favourite.
The former Chelsea midfielder stated this in an episode of The Obi One podcast while criticising Ronaldo for featuring in Portugal’s 2-0 UEFA Euro 2024 Group F defeat to Georgia.
The Al-Nassr forward had an unimpressive performance in Germany during Portugal’s Euro 2024 campaign as he failed to score a goal in five appearances at the tournament.
Reacting to the the 39-year-old’s apparent burnout, Mikel compared him to Messi and stated that even those who are not his fans still have no choice but to respect him.
He then urged Ronaldo to ensure he takes time to rest and refresh between matches, given that he is 39 and no longer as agile or energetic as he was in his 20s.
Mikel said; “Even if you are a [Lionel] Messi fan, your respect [has to go to] him. You can’t like them both, everyone has their own opinion.
“I have my opinion on who I think the GOAT is. Now, Messi winning the Copa America again with Argentina and leading them to glory. Of course, Ronaldo, you could say that [he had a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign].
“A lot of people criticized Ronaldo about taking free-kicks, about trying to do everything [all by himself], trying to play every game.
“But I have said it a few times, the only place I criticize him in that tournament is [his decision] to play the game against Georgia. He did not need to play that game. You are 39 years old, take a break. Have a rest and refresh for the next game”.