Lionel Messi ‘laughing in Qatar World Cup camp’ following Cristiano Ronaldo’s interview
Cristiano Ronaldo has been told that Ballon d’Or rival Lionel Messi will be laughing in Argentina’s World Cup training camp as a result of his controversial interview with Piers Morgan.
The Manchester United hero, 37, sent shockwaves around the footballing world on Sunday evening after Morgan posted a clip from a forthcoming interview in which Ronaldo slates the United hierarchy for “betraying” him at the end of the 2021/22 season.
Also taking him at Erik ten Hag, Ronaldo states he has “no respect” for the Dutchman ahead of a two-part interview that is scheduled to air on Talk TV on Wednesday (November 16) and Thursday (November 17) at 8pm.
However, ex-Premier League manager Tim Sherwood has been left “astounded” by Ronaldo’s unauthorised interview, which could stain his entire Man Utd legacy.
“I don’t think what Ronaldo is saying is groundbreaking, I really don’t,” he told talkSPORT. “I think it’s more groundbreaking the fact that he’s come and said it so publicly and obviously done it on a huge platform.
“He could’ve gone Oprah Winfrey or Piers Morgan — he’s took the English option. I’m astounded that he’s come out and done it I really am, I think it tarnishes his legacy.”
After guiding Portugal to Euro glory from the sidelines in 2016, Ronaldo is gunning for a first World Cup crown at what will inevitably be his final showing on football’s most glamorous stage.
As ever, all eyes will be on Selecao’s record goalscorer to see if he can claim another golden boot and spearhead his county to the trophy.
Though there is another decorated Ballon d’Or winner who will be looking to take advantage of the now-increased scrutiny on Portugal and Sherwood suspects Ronaldo’s latest antics may have swung the Messi v Ronaldo debate in his opponent’s favour.
He added: “I think the little man Lionel Messi must be sitting in Qatar in his camp laughing, looking at it from afar because when you ask players who the best players are to have played the game, it’s either Messi or Ronaldo, it’s a toss-up.
“But my unconscious bias is now drifting towards Lionel Messi, just on top of this, which is a shame really.”
