Cristiano Ronaldo Better Teammate Than Lionel Messi, Ex-Barcelona Star Says

Former Barcelona star Arthur Melo has revealed why he thinks Cristiano Ronaldo is a better leader than Lionel Messi.

Prior to completing his transfer to Juventus in the summer, Melo played his second season with Barcelona. At Camp Nou, Melo witnessed the leadership of Messi and even won the La Liga title playing alongside the Argentine for the first time.

However, despite having been on the same team as Messi’s ultimate rival Ronaldo for only a short period of time, the Brazilian insists that “CR7” was a better leader than the Barcelona star. According to Melo, both legendary athletes were exceptional, but Ronaldo connects to his teammates more than Messi does.

"Cristiano Ronaldo expresses himself more than [Lionel] Messi and he gets on with everyone in the dressing room," Arthur recently told Desimpedidos. "He's very active in the dressing room. He talks to everyone and has a good relationship with everyone. Maybe the fact we speak the same language makes it easier.”

"Each person has their own way of demonstrating leadership,” he continued. “Messi does it with actions, as much as it seems he doesn't. He demonstrates it when he receives the ball, with his will to win the game and all his teammates notice this."

When quizzed about who among the two perennial soccer superstars he prefers in terms of overall qualities, Melo definitively sided with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

"I'd go with Cristiano [Ronaldo], we're playing together!" the midfielder explained. "I'm not that close to Cristiano that I go round his house for coffee, but we have a good relationship.”

Throughout their stellar careers, Messi and Ronaldo have both embodied unparalleled work ethic and competitiveness. However, Melo thinks the latter’s “determination” is incredible.

"Cristiano never backs down if there's a teammate in need of something and he always gets to it with a fierce determination,” the 24-year-old pointed out. "He trains like an animal, he doesn't know when to rest and he encourages you to give your all. He always tells me what to eat, not leaving anything to chance."

To this day, Messi and Ronaldo haven’t lost one bit of thirst for triumph and supremacy. In fact, the two are still the best performers of their respective clubs.

In 17 La Liga matches for Barcelona, Messi managed to score 11 goals, while Ronaldo has already notched 15 goals in 16 appearances for the reigning Serie A champions.