🚨🗣️ Thomas Müller on referees seemingly favoring Messi:
“We were already leading against Argentina and Messi was standing right next to me. The ball bounced off the ground and hit my hand. The referee instantly gave me a yellow card. I’m convinced it was only because Messi was there. They were 2-0 down, so it felt like the ref was thinking, ‘Come on, let’s help them out a bit.’”
What do you think of Thomas Müller?
🚨 Marc Cucurella was asked who gave him the hardest time between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
🎙️ Reporter: “Marc, as a left-back you’ve faced both Messi and Ronaldo in big games. Who was the tougher opponent for you personally?”
🗣️ Marc Cucurella: “They’re legends in completely different ways, but facing Cristiano Ronaldo in the World Cup was something else.
“Even at 41, Ronaldo remains a massive threat. You can’t switch off for a second because one run or clever movement can create a chance out of nothing. Our team had to stay ultra-focused to handle him.
“In that match, Portugal didn’t create much overall, but Ronaldo still managed a few dangerous moments and got shots away — it shows his incredible mentality and finishing instinct. He forces defenders into tough 1v1 situations with his speed and power.
“With Messi it was more about collective organisation. We tried to stay compact, limit his space in between the lines, and make it hard for him to link up with teammates.
“Personally, the intensity and constant danger Ronaldo brings, even when the team isn’t dominating, made him the harder one to face in that game. He’s a legend and it was special to share the pitch with him.”
Before the Portugal Spain kick off Ronaldo went all the way to acknowledge Spain coach De La Funete 👏
This is why football World respects Ronaldo more.
🚨 Marc Cucurella fires back after Lionel Messi allegedly tried to get him booked for speaking with his hand near his mouth.
🎙️ Reporter: "Marc, what happened in that exchange with Messi?"
🗣️ Cucurella: "I was simply telling him his teammates were being too aggressive. I didn't even realize my hand was covering my mouth,I moved it away immediately."
🗣️ Cucurella: "He didn't need to react like that. It felt childish."