Former Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has explained his consistent preference for Cristiano Ronaldo over Lionel Messi in Ballon d’Or voting. He described Messi as a natural talent and Ronaldo as someone who achieved elite status through sustained effort. The comments highlight the personal connection Scolari formed with Ronaldo during their time together with the national team.
Personal Bond Shapes Coaching Perspective
Scolari stated that Ronaldo felt like family after years of shared international campaigns. He recalled Messi directly asking why the vote never went his way, and Scolari responded by citing the closeness developed through Portugal duty. That relationship influenced the coach’s choices even when both players posted exceptional club and international records.
Training Habits Reveal Work Ethic
Scolari noted Ronaldo’s habit of staying after matches to repeat free-kick routines during his Manchester United period. Sir Alex Ferguson reportedly expressed concern that the forward was pushing himself too hard. These details illustrate how Ronaldo’s reputation for discipline formed long before his later career milestones.
Emotional Resilience Tested in Real Time
The coach described informing Ronaldo of his father’s death before an international fixture. Ronaldo chose to play and delivered a strong performance on the pitch. Scolari presented this episode as evidence of the mental strength the player developed alongside physical conditioning.
Future Milestones and Career Longevity
Scolari believes Ronaldo retains the capacity to reach one thousand career goals. Both Ronaldo and Messi are now preparing for what may be their final World Cup in 2026. The comments place the long-running comparison between the two players in the context of sustained professional commitment rather than raw talent alone.