Lionel Messi missed the first penalty in Argentina's shootout defeat to Chile in the Copa Centenario final and his team went on to lose yet again. One thing's for sure: it would never have happened to Cristiano Ronaldo.
That's not because Ronaldo is any better at penalties than Messi – he’s not – but, crucially, he wouldn’t have taken the first one. Ronaldo would have waited until spot kick number five, that way he alone could drink in the acclaim and celebrate.
He is consumed by that thirst for individual glory, Messi is not to the same extent. The three-time Ballon d’Or winner called his decisive fifth penalty in the Champions League final shootout against Atletico Madrid earlier this year the “winning goal”. Ronaldo is driven purely seeing the ball hit the net and having his name associated with a team-earned success more than any other.
It’s not because he’s cowardly - the fifth penalty is a nightmare in the wrong hands - but Messi is different. Messi is egotistical in many ways but he is more equipped as a football brain than is Ronaldo. Messi knows he is the best player on any team he plays. He has a keen analytical mind, acquired from years of working with Ronaldinho, Xavi and Andres Iniesta.
Posts
