Luka Modric has weighed in on the ongoing debate about who is the Lionel Messi greatest footballer of all time, recognizing Messi’s unparalleled talent while also applauding Cristiano Ronaldo’s exceptional determination. The Croatian midfielder, after 13 years with Real Madrid, is preparing to leave the club this summer and move to AC Milan, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in Spanish football.
Modric shared his reflections on both football legends during a March 2023 interview on Rio Ferdinand’s YouTube channel, “Rio Ferdinand Presents.” Having played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo for six years at Real Madrid and faced Lionel Messi’s Barcelona numerous times, Modric expressed admiration for both players’ unique qualities.
Modric Highlights Ronaldo’s Unmatched Work Ethic and Leadership
On Cristiano Ronaldo, Modric emphasized the forward’s extraordinary commitment and drive:
“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 demand he put on himself and the team was unbelievable.”
—Luka Modric, Midfielder
He further praised Ronaldo’s influence at Real Madrid, citing his leadership and remarkable contribution to the club’s success:
“I think everyone will agree that Cristiano was one of the best, if not the best player for Real Madrid. In terms of scoring goals, titles, individual records, team trophies, he was so influential. He was a leader on and off the pitch. It was such a pleasure to play with him all these years and to win so many trophies together,”
—Luka Modric, Midfielder
Affirming Messi as the Greatest After World Cup Semifinal
Modric also expressed his belief that Lionel Messi stands as the greatest footballer ever, particularly after witnessing Argentina’s dominant 3-0 win over Croatia in the 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinals. He said:
“I hope he will win this World Cup, he is the best player in history and he deserves it. He is playing a great World Cup, he shows quality and greatness in every game.”
—Luka Modric, Midfielder
This endorsement from Modric, known for his own extraordinary skill and experience, adds weight to the ongoing debate surrounding Messi’s place in football history. Meanwhile, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that AC Milan plans to offer Modric a one-year contract with an option for another year as the midfielder seeks to continue his career in Italy.
Rio Ferdinand Identifies Football’s Emerging Rivalry Beyond Messi and Ronaldo
As the era of Messi and Ronaldo winds down, former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has spotlighted two young talents—Desire Doue and Lamine Yamal—as the next major rivals poised to shape world football. Ferdinand’s remarks came after Paris Saint-Germain’s convincing 5-0 Champions League final victory over Inter Milan on May 31, 2024, where Doue scored two goals and provided an assist.
Lamine Yamal, a 17-year-old sensation at Barcelona, has already made a mark with impressive performances across Europe this season, tallying five goals and four assists in 13 matches. Ferdinand remarked on the promising young players after PSG’s triumph in Munich:
“A really special mention for Doue, a 19-year-old kid playing on the biggest stage like it’s a playground at the back of his house. Have we seen now, we’ve had two players who dominated world football for many, many years of our generation in Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.”
—Rio Ferdinand, Former Manchester United Defender
He added further on Yamal’s impact and the potential shift in football’s guard:
“Lamine Yamal going into this was a superstar but didn’t get to the final. Lit up the quarter-final and the semis. Doue’s done it now in the final, have we seen a changing of the guard of the two players likely to be them players?”
—Rio Ferdinand, Former Manchester United Defender
The Transition from Legendary Icons to New Football Stars
The recognition of Messi as the greatest footballer of all time by Luka Modric underscores the extraordinary talent and influence Messi has had on the game. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo’s relentless work ethic and leadership remain a benchmark for professionalism and achievement. As Real Madrid prepares to bid farewell to Modric, who will bring his experience to AC Milan, the football world is also watching eagerly as Desire Doue and Lamine Yamal emerge as representatives of the new generation.
With Messi and Ronaldo nearing the ends of illustrious careers, the baton is hopefully passing to promising young stars who may someday ignite similar passionate debates among fans and experts alike. The evolving landscape of football promises fresh rivalries, vibrant performances, and a continuation of excellence on the world stage.