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?
Because accolades don’t define a person? Because Ronaldo is inspiring? He’s an example of work ethic, determination, fitness, clean lifestyle, dedication and ambition?
Maybe not lately but there was a time he was Portugal and Portugal was him, the quintessential captain everyone looks up to, the one who’s going to scold you if you didn’t show up to training early and if you weren’t eating properly.
Messi is incredibly gifted talented and all that and I don’t know him personally but he doesn’t seem to be THAT kind of player, not that you can’t look up to him but I find the question kinda strange…