The ex-Italy international, who joined Old Trafford in 2004 around the time Ronaldo was establishing himself in the first team, provided a thorough evaluation of both players’ strengths. However, he emphasized that the choice between them boils down to individual taste, expressing a preference for Messi. Rossi encountered the Barcelona icon multiple times during his stints with La Liga sides Villarreal and Levante.
“They both bring different things to the game, that’s why it’s so hard to compare them,” Rossi told DAZN. “The positioning is different, the style of play is different. The interpretation of the game is different.
“Ronaldo went from a winger to being the best number nine on the planet, scoring goals is all he cares about. Messi is a goalscorer but he facilitates and I appreciate that as a player who likes to come deep and get the ball. He’s a more cerebral player, Messi and therefore some people don’t understand that part of the game, right? Those who do appreciate it more.
“So that’s why I lean more towards watching Messi play. It’s all about preference, it’s all about preference. I was lucky enough to have had the privilege of playing against them during that era in Spain.”
Rossi earned 30 caps for Italy throughout his career, yet he was originally born and raised in New Jersey before relocating to Europe at 13. In 2006, Bruce Arena, the then-manager of the USMNT, attempted to persuade Rossi to play for the United States, his country of birth. However, Rossi decided to stay with Italy, the nation he had previously represented at the youth level.
Currently, Messi is playing in the MLS for Inter Miami and is set to return to the field on Saturday for a significant match against the New England Revolution. Ronaldo, on the other hand, has departed Europe, joining Al-Nassr under a groundbreaking contract following his departure from Manchester United in November 2002. He aims to increase his tally of 29 goals in the Saudi Pro League for the 2023-24 season when his team faces Al-Khaleej on the same day.
