Cristiano Ronaldo Is Hardworking But Lionel Messi Is Unique, Club Captain Says

A club captain just made one of the most unique Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo comparisons.

For the longest time, Messi vs. Ronaldo has been the biggest debate in soccer. And aside from the fans, some soccer stars also have their thoughts about the two legendary stars. In fact, Zlatan Ibrahimovic recently joined the debate and broke down Messi and Ronaldo’s game.

Ibrahimovic , a versatile goalscorer who is best known for his technical ability, strength, acrobatics, and is widely regarded as one of the best players of his generation, weighed in on the Messi vs. Ronaldo debate.

During a recent interview, the former Sweden captain revealed what he believe is the difference between Messi and Ronaldo. According to the 38-year-old striker, Ronaldo is an extremely hardworking player and he deserves all the credit he has been receiving thus far. However, Messi is a unique player who is very attached in his homeland, Mirror UK noted.

"I admire Cristiano (Ronaldo), he works very hard and has played everywhere but in Italy it's different, I'm not surprised that he scores less than before,” Ibrahimovic said.

“About Leo, what to say? He has a unique talent and is in home. For me it will never change teams," Ibrahimovic emphasized.

But as a captain and legendary player himself, Ibrahimovic sort of gave both Ronaldo and Messi a challenge in their careers when they reach the same age as him.

"We will see where they are when they are my age,” Ibrahimovic stated.

Messi was recently awarded his sixth Golden Shoe award for scoring the most league goals in Europe's top divisions last season. The said achievement made him the first player to win the award for the third straight year.

After winning the award, the Barcelona star explained why he doesn't need the feel to boast about it in the way of his rival Ronaldo, who released a photoshoot of himself in his pants after scoring his 700th career goal.

According to Messi, he doesn’t want to talk about his achievements as he’s more interested in talking about what he, and other soccer stars have done for the sport, The Sun reported.

"I'd rather people talk about me. I know what I am, what I did and what I can give, but I keep it to myself,” Messi said.

“People can have their say. I don't like to talk about myself, I like to talk about the collective," Messi explained.