World Cup 2026: You’re never going to be Messi – Ex-England striker Bothroyd tells Ronaldo

Former England international, Jay Bothroyd, has insisted that Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo is never going to be like Argentina captain Lionel Messi.

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Bothroyd wants Ronaldo to step away from Portugal’s FIFA World Cup starting XI, as he cannot deliver like his eternal rival, Messi.

According to him, the 41-year-old Al-Nassr forward is always chasing the Barcelona legend but cannot get close to him.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Bothroyd said, “I have to be honest, I think if Ronaldo is a team player, I think he should step down and understand that he has to be a player that comes off the bench as an impact player. Is he ever going to do that? Nope, I don’t think he is. And that is my point.

“I look at Ronaldo and… the Ronaldo faithful are going to hate me today, but it looks like it’s all about him, yeah? You know, and he’s always chasing Messi all the time.

“He is never going to be Lionel Messi, but what he has throughout his career, he’s made the absolute most out of his career.”