Luka Modric made a straightforward comment when asked to pick between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. He was quick to give his thoughts on his former Real Madrid teammate.
Luka Modric Answers Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Lionel Messi Question
The Croatian legend was talking to Corriere when he was quizzed about Messi and Ronaldo. He was not interested in choosing between the two, saying he did not like the question:
“It’s a question I don’t like. They marked an era.”
He was open about his attachment to the Portugal superstar after sharing the dressing room with him at Real Madrid. He heaped praise on the Al-Nassr captain, saying:
“I am more attached to Cristiano because I played with him, he was my partner at Madrid, and I assure you that he is not only a great footballer; he is an incredible person. People don’t know it, but he has a huge heart, always ready to help others. And he’s a simple, normal man.”
When pushed to talk about Messi, Modric added:
“As a man, I don’t know him, but I do not doubt that he is also extraordinary. As a player, magnificent.”
However, in 2022, Modric named the Argentine superstar as the best player in history, and said (via SportBible):
“I hope he will win this World Cup, he is the best player in history and he deserves it. He is playing a great World Cup, he shows quality and greatness in every game.”
Modric was linked with a move to Inter Miami and Al-Nassr last summer, but the Croatian joined AC Milan instead, extending his stay in Europe as he edges closer to retirement.
In his interview with Corriere, Modric also spoke about how Jose Mourinho made Ronaldo cry in the dressing room once after a match at Real Madrid. He named the Portuguese coach as the toughest manager he has worked under and added:
“Mourinho was the toughest. I saw him make Cristiano Ronaldo cry in the locker room, a man who gives his all on the pitch, because for once he didn’t chase the opposing full-back. Mourinho is very direct with the players, but he’s honest. He treated Sergio Ramos and the newcomer the same way: if he had to tell you something, he’d tell you.”
Modric moved to AC Milan on a free transfer in the summer of 2025 after playing for Real Madrid at the FIFA Club World Cup.
