CSKA Moscow star Miralem Pjanic, one of the few players to have shared the pitch with both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, has offered his unique insights into the age-old debate surrounding the two legends, Soccernet.football reports.
The former Barcelona and Juventus midfielder is well-placed to weigh in, having spent the 2020/21 season with Messi at Camp Nou and several years alongside Ronaldo at Juventus.
However, despite his close experiences with both superstars, Pjanic refrained from choosing between them, instead admiring the distinct qualities each brings to the game.
“It’s difficult to answer, but of course, these are the best players we have seen in the last 20 years. There is no doubt about it,” Pjanic explained.
“I had the opportunity to play with each of them, and I loved the way they played. I was personally convinced of their professionalism. I had the pleasure of sharing the same locker room with them.”
Pjanic shared his observations on Ronaldo’s unparalleled work ethic, describing how the Portuguese star meticulously attends to every detail to maintain peak condition.
“Cristiano is very hardworking. He looked after his body every day, every detail, so it does not surprise me at all that he is still in such good shape,” he said.
Pjanic also highlighted Ronaldo’s resilience, noting, “Yes, he had some poor matches, but if the ball went wide after shooting, he would not stop playing. He has an amazing strength that you will not find in anyone else.”
On Messi, Pjanic emphasised the Argentine’s natural brilliance and inspirational quality, picturing him as a player who effortlessly excels.
“I imagine him waking up in the morning and saying, ‘Today I will score three goals,’ then he goes onto the pitch and scores three,” Pjanic said with admiration. “What a phenomenon! When you look at him, you constantly say: Wow! And then you enjoy every training session with him.”