Former RedBull Formula 1 driver Sergio Perez compared himself to Cristiano Ronaldo while likening his teammate Max Verstappen to Lionel Messi. Perez, who left RedBull after a mutual agreement to terminate his contract, shared this perspective during his time with the team.
Joining RedBull in 2021, Perez offered this football analogy in his second season. In an interview on the Hugo Sanchez Presenta program, he explained the comparison:
“Messi is Verstappen. A very natural driver, very talented and he is the Messi of cars. I’m like Cristiano, talented too, but more worked and dedicated to get the best out of himself.”
—Sergio Perez, Former RedBull Driver
Both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are among football’s greatest achievers, with Messi holding eight Ballon d’Or awards—three more than Ronaldo. Messi’s achievements include three UEFA Champions League titles and ten La Liga championships, reflecting his dominance with Barcelona and now Inter Miami.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s success spans five Champions League wins and three Premier League titles. Currently, he plays in the Saudi Pro League for Al-Nassr. Despite these accolades, Perez has yet to secure a Formula 1 World Championship, unlike Verstappen, who is widely regarded as the top driver of his era with four titles to his name.
Deco Highlights Ronaldinho Over Messi and Ronaldo in GOAT Discussion
Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, recently added his voice to the ongoing GOAT debate, choosing Brazilian legend Ronaldinho over both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Asked to select the greatest player he has played alongside, Deco emphasized Ronaldinho’s remarkable skills and unique style.
Deco, who shared the Camp Nou pitch with Messi and Ronaldo 132 times, praised Ronaldinho’s extraordinary talent during a conversation with Mundo Deportivo:
“I played with the first Messi and the first Cristiano. If I have to choose, I’d choose Ronaldinho. Of those I played with, Ronaldinho was the best. He had technical ability, wow! He did different things.”
—Deco, Barcelona Sporting Director
While praising Ronaldinho, Deco also acknowledged Messi and Ronaldo’s qualities. He called Messi “the most complete player” he has experienced, and expressed admiration for Ronaldo’s determination and growth:
“The most complete player I’ve played with is Messi. What impresses me most about Cristiano is that he always wants to learn. At the beginning, he didn’t commit fouls.”
—Deco, Barcelona Sporting Director
Ronaldinho’s legacy at Barcelona includes 207 appearances, scoring 94 goals and assisting 69 times. His trophy cabinet boasts two La Liga titles and a UEFA Champions League championship, underpinning his status as one of the Catalan club’s all-time greats.
Significance of Comparing Champions Across Sports
Sergio Perez’s comparison underlines the ongoing influence of football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as benchmarks of excellence, extending their impact even into motorsport. By naming Verstappen as the “Messi of cars,” Perez highlights Verstappen’s natural talent and dominance in Formula 1, much like Messi’s in football.
Meanwhile, Deco’s perspective on Ronaldinho introduces a nuanced view of football greatness that values creativity and flair alongside consistency and achievement. Both viewpoints contribute to a richer understanding of what defines excellence in sport, whether on the pitch or the racetrack.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Lionel Messi a billionaire?
A. By 2024, Lionel Messi’s net worth is believed to be between USD 650 million and 800 million. This ranks him among the wealthiest and best-compensated athletes globally. His wide range of investments also plays a big role in building his substantial wealth.