‘He would have had 15 Ballons d’Or’ – Patrice Evra insists Lionel Messi would have won more awards if he had Cristiano Ronaldo’s work ethic

Cristiano Ronaldo will go down as not only one of the greatest players of all time but also one of the hardest-working athletes the sport has seen.

He takes training extremely seriously while showing his passion on the field. The 2018 UEFA European Champion is always working on ways to improve himself despite the illustrious career he has enjoyed.

His former Manchester United teammate Patrice Evra reckons Messi would have more Ballon d'Or awards to his name if he replicated Ronaldo's work ethic (via GOAL):

"I feel like Messi. God just gave him a talent, and Cristiano had to work for it. He had the talent, but he had to work for it.

"If Messi had the same work ethic as Ronaldo, he would probably have like 15 Ballon d'Ors today. I'm just in love with people working hard, so that's why I pick Ronaldo over Messi."

Evra saw first-hand the qualities and work ethic Cristiano Ronaldo has during his first spell with Manchester United. He won his first Ballon d'Or while at Old Trafford and developed into the legendary great he is today.

Ronaldo has gone on to break many records during his career, including becoming the all-time international top goalscorer (123 goals in 200 caps). 

However, Messi's World Cup triumph last year has many concluding that the debate between the pair has ended. The Inter Miami superstar has also bagged 103 goals in 175 international caps for Argentina.

What can't be disputed is that the Portugal captain continues to turn back the years and show his desire to win at Al-Nassr. Ronaldo has started the new Saudi Pro League season with six goals and five assists in five games across competitions.