Former Spanish goalkeeper Roberto Jimenez has revealed he found Lionel Messi far more challenging to face than Cristiano Ronaldo.
Speaking on the Los Fulanos podcast, Jimenez described Messi as a “nightmare” and admitted he never managed to stop the Argentine from scoring during their seven encounters, with Messi netting 13 goals against him.
“I could never stop Messi. Whenever he got close, he scored. Cristiano plays differently and gives you more chances to stop him, so it is more fun,” Jimenez explained.
Although he collected shirts from many top players, Jimenez said he avoided asking Messi for his shirt due to repeated humiliations on the pitch — a decision he now regrets.
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In a humorous twist, Raul Jimenez recalled receiving 13 beers from a beer brand that gifted bottles to goalkeepers Lionel Messi had scored against, joking that he might hold the record for the most.
Messi, now playing for MLS side Inter Miami, and Cristiano Ronaldo, with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, have both left Europe as they near the twilight of their careers after dominating world football for two decades.
Despite their moves away from Europe’s top leagues, both icons continue to attract global attention, filling stadiums and boosting the commercial value of their respective clubs. Their presence has also helped grow football audiences in the United States and the Middle East, with fans eager to witness their brilliance live. Even in the latter stages of their careers, Messi and Ronaldo remain influential figures, inspiring younger players and maintaining remarkable individual performances that underline their enduring legacy in the sport.
