Ex-England striker Bothroyd says Ronaldo will never be Messi, urges bench role
Former England striker Jay Bothroyd told Sky Sports earlier today that Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo will never be like Argentina's Lionel Messi and should step down from the starting XI to accept an impact player role off the bench. Bothroyd said the 41-year-old Al-Nassr forward is constantly chasing Messi but can never reach him, adding that Ronaldo's loyal fans will dislike his view.
He argued that if Ronaldo is a team player, he ought to recognize his current value as a substitute who can change games, rather than insisting on a starting spot. Bothroyd acknowledged Ronaldo has made the absolute most of his career but believes the pursuit of Messi's legacy is misplaced.
The comments come amid Portugal's preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Ronaldo's role could influence the team's tactics and Nigeria's fans watching the tournament. Veteran players often face decisions about adapting to new roles as they age, affecting squad balance and younger players' opportunities.
Will Portugal's coach heed the advice and use Ronaldo as a super-sub, or will the captain continue to demand a starting place despite his age?