Actual Madrid-bound wonderkid Endrick has mentioned he’s extra of a Cristiano Ronaldo fan than Lionel Messi forward of his Brazil workforce’s World Cup qualifier in opposition to Argentina.
Palmeiras striker Endrick, 17, made his Brazil debut in a 2-1 defeat at Colombia on Thursday and is predicted to play in opposition to Messi’s Argentina on the Maracana on Tuesday.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, extra (U.S.)
“Messi is a great player, but I’m more of a fan of Cristiano Ronaldo,” Endrick mentioned.
Endrick, who will be a part of Ronaldo’s former membership Madrid when he turns 18 in July 2024, is however thrilled to face eight-time Ballon d’or winner Messi.
“Messi is phenomenal,” Endrick mentioned. “He’s very good, the best in the world again. I just want to enjoy the moment of being able to play against him, being in the same stadium as him, looking at him up close. I only saw him in video games. Now I’m seeing Messi up close, it’s going to be wonderful.”
In the meantime, Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez mentioned he’s not stunned that Ronaldo nonetheless has so many admirers. The Al Nassr ahead completed as Portugal’s prime scorer with 10 objectives of their excellent Euro 2024 qualifying marketing campaign.
“It’s difficult for me to explain how a player who is 38 years old and has more caps than any other player in the world, has the hunger of an 18-year-old player,” Martinez mentioned of Ronaldo after Sunday’s 2-0 win in opposition to Iceland — Portugal’s tenth straight victory in qualifying.
“He is a force that infects others in the locker room,” Endrick mentioned. “A player who always tries to be in the right position, who likes to score, but has a lot of team discipline. He’s an example in the dressing room, it’s great to have a player with his experience.”