In the eternal debate that has divided football fans for over a decade, Luka Modric once weighed in on the rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The Croatian midfield maestro, who played alongside Ronaldo at Real Madrid, offered unique insights into what made the Portuguese superstar stand out. Modric reflected on Ronaldo’s relentless drive and work ethic, qualities he believes set him apart from most players in history.
Speaking in a past interview, he praised Ronaldo’s insatiable hunger for improvement, saying, *“The most special thing about Cristiano Ronaldo? His work ethic. He always wants more and more. He’s never happy with what he does. This is amazing.”* The Ballon d’Or winner emphasized that Ronaldo’s greatness wasn’t just about goals or trophies—it was his constant pursuit of perfection. *“The demand he put on himself and the team was unbelievable,”* Modric said. *“It was this mentality that lifted all of us.
He expected excellence every single day.”* Modric didn’t hesitate to call Ronaldo one of Real Madrid’s greatest-ever players. *“I think everyone will agree that Cristiano was one of the best, if not the best, player for Real Madrid,”* he stated, highlighting his influence on and off the pitch. The duo enjoyed immense success together, winning four Champions League titles between 2014 and 2018. Their chemistry was built on mutual respect and a shared winning mentality, making their partnership one of the most dominant in football history. Ahead of the 2022 World Cup, Modric expressed his hope that Ronaldo would finally lift the elusive trophy.
*“I hope he will win this World Cup; he is the best player in history and he deserves it,”* he said, acknowledging Ronaldo’s enduring quality. While Modric respected Messi’s brilliance, his bond with Ronaldo and their shared triumphs clearly left a lasting impression. His comments highlight a key difference in how the two legends are perceived—Ronaldo’s greatness tied to relentless hard work, Messi’s to natural genius.
As new stars like Lamine Yamal and Désiré Doué emerge, the legacies of Ronaldo and Messi remain the benchmark for greatness. Modric’s words serve as a tribute to their impact, showing that true greatness is measured not just in trophies, but in the standards they set. For Modric, Ronaldo wasn’t just a phenomenal player—he was a leader who demanded the best from himself and those around him. And that, more than anything, defined his legacy.