Capello: Ronaldo champion, but not a genie like Messi

Fabio Capello has claimed that although Cristiano Ronaldo is extraordinary and champion, he is not a football finder like Lionel Messi.

Ronaldo with het-tricks sent Juventus to the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday but the renowned Italian coach insists the Portuguese superyel does not possess the natural abilities of Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona or Peles.

Argentine is his magic helping Barcelona pass to the quarter-finals of the Champions League on Wednesday, with two goals and two assists against Lyon.

“Ronaldo is an extraordinary player, but Messi is a genius,” Capello told Sky Sport Italia.

“There are three gays in football: Pepe, Maradona and Messi. Points. Ronaldo is very strong and helps to win everything, but Messi is a genius and something else, “he added.

“I was confronted with Messi when he was 16 years old and I was amazed. Twenty years ago, he did the same thing he did today because he was born genius. Messi invent things that others do not see. Ronaldo has made himself a champion, but not a genius, “he stressed.