Real Madrid-bound Endrick prefers Ronaldo over Messi

Real Madrid wonderkid Endrick has said he is a bigger fan of Cristiano Ronaldo than Lionel Messi ahead of his team Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Argentina.

Palmeiras striker Endrick, 17, made his debut for Brazil in a 2-1 defeat to Colombia on Thursday and is expected to feature against Messi’s Argentina at the Maracana on Tuesday.

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“Messi is a great player, but I’m more of a fan of Cristiano Ronaldo,” Endrick said.

Endrick, who will join Ronaldo’s former club Madrid when he turns 18 in July 2024, is nevertheless excited to face eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi.

“Messi is phenomenal,” Endrick said. “He is very good, once again the best in the world. I just want to enjoy the moment of being able to play against him, to be in the same stadium as him, to watch him up close. I have only seen him in video games. Now I see Messi up close, it’s going to be wonderful.”

Meanwhile, Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez said he is not surprised Ronaldo still has so many admirers. The Al Nassr striker finished Portugal’s top scorer with 10 goals during their perfect Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.

“It’s hard for me to explain how a 38-year-old, who has more caps than any other player in the world, has the hunger of an 18-year-old,” Martinez said of Ronaldo after Sunday’s 2-0 victory. against Iceland – Portugal’s 10th consecutive qualifying victory.

“He’s a force that infects others in the locker room,” Endrick said. “A player who always tries to be in the right position, who likes to score, but who has a lot of team discipline. He’s an example in the dressing room, it’s great to have a player with his experience. “