Endrick, a new football star recruited to Real Madrid, quoted Cristiano Ronaldo as his idol. This is also seen with Haaland, Mbappe, Saka, Vini Jr, Rodrygo, Kvara. So many young players today all state Ronaldo as an influence for them. Messi has more accolades than Ronaldo, but the only young players I can think that stated him as an influence is Julian Alvarez and Jude Bellingham. Why do you think most young players respect and admire Ronaldo more than Messi?
Well the surface level way of viewing this is that Cristiano is the embodiment of hard work, dedication and perseverance.
Then there is Lionel Messi, who seems like he was chosen by God himself and gave him an other worldly talent that no one cannot replicate unless you are special.
Now, I think it is unfair to suggest that Lionel Messi hasn’t worked hard and just got to where he was just for existing. He clearly has, you can see his evolution as a player and how he kept adding more to his skillset, you can tell he studies the game. Now while yes I do agree he is a genius of the game and perhaps this sport computes faster in his brain, it doesn’t take away his effort. His longevity is a testament to that.
I think Cristiano is the embodiment of something more achievable if one lives a life full of discipline. Which there is a level of comfort for those who aspire to be great.
I dont want to take this away from Messi though, because there are several high profile players and talents that do look up to him such as, FdJ, Sane, Mahrez, Pedri, Wirtz, Bellingham, Davies, Musiala, Foden, Doku, Alvarez, Enzo, Estevao, Echeverri, Prestianni and the list goes on. All of these players have their reasons to like Messi.