Alba: It would be foolish not to
respect Ronaldo, but Messi on
another level
Barcelona defender Jordi Alba believes it would
be "foolish" to disrespect Cristiano Ronaldo, but
he is adamant the Real Madrid star is nowhere
near the same level as Lionel Messi.
The Portugal international is believed to be
sitting in pole position to pick up the FIFA Ballon
d'Or this year after winning the Champions
League and Euro 2016, but Alba feels
performances on the pitch should be what
matters most in the race for the prestigious
individual award, suggesting Ronaldo's
contribution to both titles was not as big as
many have made it out to be.
"Many substitutes have won the Euros, World
Cup or Champions League without contributing
anything. In the end, it's what a player does on
the pitch that counts and Messi has been the
best," Alba was quoted as saying by AS.
"There is no comparison between the two of
them. The debate will always be there and you
have to respect Cristiano. It would be foolish not
to respect him. He is a great player. But whoever
likes football will think Leo is the best.
"What gives Messi an extra dimension is that he
always remains calm. Whatever happens, nothing
affects him and the way he plays.
"He is a star, the best in the world and he shows
it year after year."