Ronaldo, the Real Benchmark: Juventus Legend Urges Youth to Emulate Ronaldo Over Messi
11 December 2025
Ronaldo as the Standard
Claudio Marchisio, Juventus legend, praised his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, urging young players to emulate the Portuguese star instead of Lionel Messi.
Ronaldo joined Juventus in the summer of 2018 and spent three seasons at the Allianz Stadium, playing alongside Marchisio for a few weeks before the veteran left at the end of the 2018 summer window.
When asked about Ronaldo's arrival seven years ago, Marchisio recalled that anticipation was high; Juventus is used to big signings, but Ronaldo's first day in the locker room felt different.
The Lesson for Youth
In an interview published by La Gazzetta dello Sport, he recalled waiting with Barzagli for Ronaldo; they welcomed stars like Carlos Tevez, but Ronaldo was a true superstar.
He added that if there is anything to tell the young players, it is to take Ronaldo as a model to become top-class, rather than Messi.
He explained Ronaldo was already a top-class player, but he had to work harder to become what he is.
He concluded that Messi has been blessed with exceptional talent; he might not even need to train.
Punchline: If you can't bench Messi, bench your excuses.
Punchline 2: My fantasy team is Ronaldo's shadow—always in the spotlight, never on the bench.
