The Madrid press has expressed strong dissatisfaction with FIFA’s recent profiling of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for the upcoming Ballon d’Or. As reported by As and Marca, there is a perception that FIFA’s descriptions lack objectivity and may favor Messi over Ronaldo.
For Cristiano Ronaldo, the profile acknowledges his prolific goal-scoring record in the 2012/13 Spanish championship, finishing second in the scorers’ rankings behind Messi. It highlights his success on both the European and national stages, emphasizing his significance for Real Madrid, where he extended his contract until 2018.
On the other hand, Lionel Messi’s profile focuses on his remarkable achievements, including winning a fourth consecutive FIFA Ballon d’Or, a historic accomplishment. It mentions his Pichichi title as the top scorer in the 2012/13 Liga with FC Barcelona and his role in Argentina’s qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Messi’s potential to break records, especially in the UEFA Champions League, is also highlighted.
The Madrid press questions FIFA’s objectivity in presenting the profiles, fueling the ongoing debate about whether the organization is biased toward Messi in comparison to Cristiano Ronaldo.
