Why Cristiano Ronaldo has 'refused' to talk to Gary Lineker over Lionel Messi comments

Gary Lineker has revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo refused to speak to him due to his opinion of Lionel Messi.

During their illustrious careers, both players have been breaking records left, right and centre and they often went head-to-head during their time in La Liga, with Ronaldo playing for Real Madrid and Messi for Barcelona.

During the BBC’s coverage of Portugal vs South Korea at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Rio Ferdinand spoke about Ronaldo.

He said: “It's weird because he's achieved so much so what more is there for him to aim at? But he'll be scratching around so he's got something to aim at because he needs that fuel.

“He uses every single comment from a pundit, comment from the media, report or record that's available as fuel.”

At this point, Lineker said: “I can tell you from my own experience that if you harbour the opinion that Lionel Messi is the better footballer, then he doesn't want to speak to you.”

Lineker then continued: “That's okay. I understand that even though I have adored watching his career. He's an incredible footballer but a bit touchy on that particular subject.”

“I am a huge fan of Ronaldo too, but if you're talking about the best player ever, there shouldn't even be a debate that it is Messi. That's just my opinion, but it's not even close for me.”