Former Ballon d’Or winner Kaka once picked Lionel Messi as his favorite over Cristiano Ronaldo. The Brazilian claimed that the Inter Miami superstar was a pure talent and a genius, and that tilted his vote.
During a Q&A session on FIFA’s YouTube channel in 2020, Kaka stated that Ronaldo was incredible, something he got to witness up close at Real Madrid. However, he picked Messi over the Portuguese superstar for his sheer talent.
“I played with Cristiano and he’s really amazing, but I’ll go with Messi. He’s a genius, a pure talent. The way he plays is incredible,” Kaka said.
The Brazilian legend continued:
“Cristiano is a machine. It’s not just the way he’s strong, powerful and fast; he’s strong mentally. He always wants to win and play. To be the best. For me, that’s the most incredible thing he has. In the history of sport, they [Messi and Cristiano] are definitely in the top five. We are very lucky to have been able to see both of them.”
Kaka played 99 matches with Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid and the duo combined for 21 goals (seven for Kaka, 14 for Ronaldo of each other’s assists). The former Ballon d’Or winner joined Los Blancos in 2009 for a then world-record fee of €67 million, which was shattered in the same window by the club to sign the Portugal icon (€94 million).
Cristiano Ronaldo’s former teammate highlights Ballon d’Or among other things while praising Lionel Messi
Cristiano Ronaldo’s former teammate Kaka spoke about Lionel Messi earlier this year and heaped praise on the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. He claimed that the individual awards along with the 2022 World Cup triumph prove why the Argentine is above everyone else.
Kaka said via MessiFC World:
“Messi must raise his head up and know himself well. They always said that Messi does not know that he is Messi, and today I see that happening. He has won eight Ballons d’Or, the World Cup, and five Golden Shoes (six in fact) and he is now the most decorated with titles. He was crying because he could not complete the match. What a great mentality.”
Talking about his experience of watching Messi at the 2024 Copa America final, Kaka added:
“What the fans did will be unforgettable. Not just the Argentines, even the Colombia fans. When they saw Messi crying, they started chanting his name. This is something to be proud of. It is Messi. He has won his love from all over the world.”
Cristiano Ronaldo is second in the Ballon d’Or tally with five awards. Lionel Messi pulled clear by winning it thrice (2019, 2021 & 2023) since the Portuguese last won it in 2017.