Rio Ferdinand pinpoints the main difference between world-beaters Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo's former teammate Rio reveals it's not size or skill - it's more about their individual game plan
RIO FERDINAND has delivered his verdict on the difference between world-beaters Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The former England centre-half played with Real Madrid maestro Ronaldo at Manchester United.
And he's watched Barcelona magician Messi bamboozle defenders the world over for the past few years.
Ferdinand told "The difference between them is that Cristiano goes out there and just says 'give me the ball in areas where I can score a goal' - he's a goalscorer.
"Ronaldo is not bothered about being on the halfway line and the rhythm of the game, he wants to be on the knife edge of the game.
"Whereas Messi, you sometimes see him in the defensive midfielder position, picking up the ball, playing one-twos, just playing with the opposition and biding his time.
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"He's involved in the rhythm of the game constantly and that's the difference between the two players."
Messi single-handedly put Chelsea to the sword in the Champions League on Wednesday.
'DISGUSTING' Chelsea appeal for info with fans claiming Barca police 'hit them with batons'
The Spanish giants strolled to a 3-0 victory for a 4-1 aggregate win.
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