Kaka, the former Ballon d’Or winner, has openly expressed his admiration for Lionel Messi, often picking the Argentine over Cristiano Ronaldo due to Messi’s exceptional natural talent. During a 2020 Q&A session on FIFA’s YouTube channel, Kaka explained that while Ronaldo is a phenomenal player with incredible physical attributes and an unrelenting drive to win, Messi’s genius and purity of talent stood out to him. Kaka referred to Messi as a “genius” and noted that watching him play was “incredible.”
Although Kaka acknowledged Ronaldo’s prowess, especially his mental strength and determination, he highlighted Messi’s artistry on the ball and ability to create magic. Their shared time at Real Madrid, where Kaka played alongside Ronaldo, further solidified his respect for the Portuguese, with the two combining for 21 goals in 99 matches.
In addition to praising Messi’s talent, Kaka has also lauded the Argentine’s achievements. He emphasized that Messi’s eight Ballon d’Ors, the 2022 World Cup win, and his numerous Golden Shoes put him in a league of his own, surpassing even the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo in terms of individual accolades. Kaka also recalled the emotional scenes during the 2024 Copa America final, where Messi’s tears and the adoration from fans, including rival Colombian supporters, underscored his universal appeal and greatness.
