Back to the International Newsfeed

Petit: Messi is not a leader like Ronaldo

The former Barcelona star believes the Portugal star's leadership abilities give him the edge over over the Argentine

Lionel Messi does not have the same leadership qualities as Cristiano Ronaldo, according to former Barcelona player Emmanuel Petit.

Messi has struggled to make an impact so far at Russia 2018, with Argentina on the brink of an early World Cup exit following their humiliating 3-0 defeat to Croatia on Friday.

Whereas Ronaldo netted a hat-trick in Portugal's 3-3 draw with Spain before scoring their winner against Morocco, Messi has floundered in front of goal - missing a penalty against Iceland before putting in an underwhelming display in Nizhny Novgorod.