Quote · The Louis Theroux Podcast
S8 EP1: Gary Lineker on England’s losing streak, leaving the BBC, and his frosty relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo
Where this was said
Messi vs Ronaldo: The GOAT Debate That Cost a Friendship
At 46:13 · chapter starts 44:40
Theroux asks the question that always gets Lineker in trouble. He handles it carefully: he has enormous admiration for Ronaldo, whose drive and goal-scoring record are extraordinary, but 'anyone who understands the game' can see the gap between the two. Messi, Lineker says, plays as if watching himself from above — his passing, vision and creativity place him beyond what seems humanly possible. He describes giving Messi 20 years of pure joy as a spectator. The practical consequence of stating this publicly: Ronaldo, who used to be on good terms with Lineker, simply stopped speaking to him after one interview where Lineker named Messi as the better player. The revelation lands as one of the episode's most memorable and shareable moments. [1] — Gary Lineker "Lineker says Ronaldo simply stopped speaking to him after he publicly named Messi the better player. He insists it's not disrespect — Ronal…" 45:50
Lineker says Ronaldo simply stopped speaking to him after he publicly named Messi the better player. He insists it's not disrespect — Ronaldo being compared to Messi at all is a massive compliment. Ronaldo just doesn't see it that way.
