How Cristiano Ronaldo reached ‘the pinnacle of ruthless industry’ despite eternal rival Lionel Messi being ‘more talented’

Two all-time greats have collected 12 Ballons d’Or between them, with countless records broken in domestic, continental and international competition. Messi, who is now on the books of MLS side Inter Miami, is considered to have cemented his reputation as a result of being blessed with God-given talent.

Ronaldo, on the other hand, has had to work tirelessly for everything that he has achieved – with the Portuguese maximising his potential through a combination of natural ability and relentless ambition. That drive has taken him to the very top of the game, with millions being inspired by his efforts along the way.

Former Premier League star Paul McVeigh – who once played against Ronaldo during their respective spells at Norwich and Manchester United - falls into that category and now references CR7 on a regular basis in his new role as a keynote speaker. McVeigh has told the Daily Mail: “Cristiano Ronaldo is someone I talk about a lot, probably I would say Lionel Messi is more talented, an absolute superstar from the start. Ronaldo was a good player, but he wasn’t the best ever. So how does he go from being good potential to being the best two in the world? If you ask 100 people, most think he has got to the pinnacle of this ruthless industry due to dedication, belief and work. Everything always comes back to what he is doing in his head, his mindset and psychology. Psychology is the single greatest differential in football… and life.”

Ronaldo is still going strong at 38 years of age, with 18 goals recorded through as many appearances for Al-Nassr this season, and he is expected to play on into his 40s – allowing him to edge towards 800 total efforts at club level while enhancing record-setting hauls of 203 caps and 127 goals for his country.