๐จ๐ฃ๏ธ ๐ก๐๐ช: Wayne Rooney: โOne came on for 20 minutes and changed the entire game. The other started and held his team back.โ
โPeople keep telling me football is about reputation. No, itโs about impact.
Look at the difference. Messi comes on with 20 minutes left and completely changes the game. One penalty, one goal, defense-splitting passes, involvement in the build-up, leadership, composure. Argentina instantly looked sharper, more fluid, more ruthless. Thatโs what greatness is. You donโt need 90 minutes to dominate a match when your football brain is operating two steps ahead of everyone else.
Now look at Ronaldo. Portugal controlled possession, created chances, had the game where they wanted it, but their attack looked blunt. Missed chances, poor decisions, shots when simple passes were available, free-kick into the wall, an offside goal, and then heโs off at halftime. The uncomfortable truth is Portugal looked more cohesive, more dynamic, and more dangerous after he left the pitch.
If Portugal are serious about going deep in this tournament, they need to stop making decisions based on history. Ronaldoโs legacy is untouchable, but trophies arenโt won with memories. Right now, he looks more like a luxury than a necessity.
The difference between Messi and Ronaldo at this stage isnโt talent. Itโs adaptation. One accepts what the game needs. The other still wants the game to revolve around him.
And before Ronaldo fans get angry, ask yourselves one question: if his name wasnโt Cristiano Ronaldo, would he still be starting?โ
Messi highlights dropping everytime he steps on the pitch...he's either scoring a worldie, delivering an impossible pass or breaking ankles...
Messi still feeding us with excellence at 38 the same way he did at 20.
Phenomenal.
An old video but this is the first time I've ever seen a player who chose to forfeit a clear penalty opportunity and opted to dribble till he produced an open play assist.