Former Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio has shared his view on what sets Cristiano Ronaldo apart as a role model, arguing that one key trait gives the Portuguese star an edge over Lionel Messi, despite both players defining modern football for almost 20 years.
Ronaldo and Messi have collectively won 13 Ballon d’Or titles and shattered numerous records, establishing a level of dominance rarely seen in the sport. Even late in their careers, they remain influential figures, with 40-year-old Ronaldo still competing for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, while 38-year-old Messi recently committed to a new three-year deal with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. Both legends are also expected to appear at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Marchisio explained why he believes Ronaldo serves as a better example for young footballers. He pointed to Ronaldo’s relentless work ethic and self-driven improvement, contrasting it with Messi’s natural brilliance. According to Marchisio, Ronaldo constantly rebuilt and refined himself through hard work, while Messi’s extraordinary ability came more instinctively. The former Italy international, who played with Ronaldo at Juventus, also recalled how the forward’s arrival from Real Madrid transformed the club’s atmosphere, creating a level of excitement and intensity he had never witnessed before, even in a team used to world-class signings.
“There was a lot of pressure, but also a lot of excitement,” Marchisio said. “You think you are at Juventus, used to seeing great champions arrive. But that atmosphere in the locker room, I still remember it. When I walked in that day, Barzagli and I looked at each other and thought: ‘Here it is, a superstar is about to arrive”.
That presence and aura, even among elite teammates, is part of what Marchisio believes separates Ronaldo from the rest. Similar sentiments have been echoed by former Manchester United defender Danny Simpson, who recently highlighted Ronaldo’s ability to constantly adapt as the key reason he rates him above Messi.
“The best thing about Ronaldo is his ability to adapt,” Simpson said. “He adapted when he was 18 or 19, he adapted at Real Madrid, he adapted at Juve. He is always evolving. Now he has done so in Saudi Arabia and also with Portugal”.
Ronaldo, whose current contract runs until the summer of 2027, shows no signs of slowing down. With ambitions of reaching 1,000 official career goals and the dream of playing professionally alongside his son, Cristiano Jr., the Portuguese icon could yet extend his career deep into his 40s.
