Enderrick joins Real Madrid and prefers Ronaldo to Messi

Adriana GarciaNovember 20, 2023 04:35 AM ET3 min read

Real Madrid prodigy Enderique said ahead of Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Argentina that he prefers Cristiano Ronaldo to Messi.

Palmeiras striker Ndrick, 17, made his Brazil debut in Thursday’s 2-1 loss to Colombia and is expected to face Lionel Messi’s Argentina at Maracana on Tuesday.

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“Messi is a great player, but I prefer Cristiano Ronaldo,” Ndrick said.

Ndrick will join Ronaldo’s former club Madrid when he turns 18 in July 2024, but will nonetheless be delighted to face eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi.

“Messi is extraordinary,” Ndrick said. “He was outstanding, the best in the world again. I just want to enjoy the moments of being able to play against him, be in the same stadium with him, see him up close. I’ve only seen him in video games. Now I can get up close It would be great to see Messi from a distance.”

Meanwhile, Portugal coach Roberto Martinez says he is not surprised Ronaldo still has so many admirers. The Al Nasr striker finished as Portugal’s top scorer with 10 goals in a perfect Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.

“It’s hard for me to explain how a 38-year-old player who has played more games than any other player in the world can have the hunger of an 18-year-old player,” Martinez said of Ronaldo after Sunday’s 2-0 win. Against Iceland – Portugal has won ten consecutive matches in qualifying.

“He’s a force that rubs off on everyone else in the locker room,” Endrick said. “He always tries to be in the right position, loves to score but has great team discipline. He is a role model in the dressing room and it’s great to have an experienced player like him.”