Former Sweden international, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has provided the only reason Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi may not do well in the World Cup in Russia.
The former Manchester United forward believes tiredness could be the biggest factor in terms of whether or not football fans see the best of both stars.
Messi has been eluded time and time again at the World Cup and is yet to get his hands on the trophy.
Ronaldo on the other hand, enjoyed a magnificent season at Real Madrid, hitting 44 goals in all competitions and helping Los Blancos get their hands on the Champions League after a 3-1 win over Liverpool in the final.
“Remember it’s not an individual game we are playing, but a team game,” Ibrahimovic told FIFA.com
“I think Neymar, after being injured and coming back, will have a lot of hunger to play and will lift his team and they will push for him.
“I think with Messi, the picture is normal: he is the best and the team follows him.
“Ronaldo, the same thing. Let’s see what happens. It’s a long season.
“Players have been playing for 10 or 11 months and now this is the final stage.
“Let’s see who is physically and mentally 100 per cent. Those things are very decisive.
“It doesn’t matter how skilful you are if you are not 100 per cent healthy.”
Ronaldo and Portugal kick off their World Cup campaign in Group B against Spain on Friday (7pm UK time), while Argentina take on Iceland in Group D on Saturday (2pm UK time).
Comentarios