Evra says Messi would have won 15 Ballon d'Ors if he has Ronaldo's work ethics
The Frenchman stressed that if Messi worked as hard as Cristiano did, he would have won twice the number of Ballon d'Or awards that he has managed for the time being.
Manchester United former star Patrice Evra has claimed that Lionel Messi is more talented than Cristiano Ronaldo but stressed that the Argentina captain does not boast the former Manchester United star's work ethic.
The Frenchman stressed that if Messi worked as hard as Cristiano did, he would have won twice the number of Ballon d'Or awards that he has managed for the time being.
"I want to explain why I say Ronaldo every time," said Evra on Rio Ferdinand's YouTube channel.
"It's not just because he's my brother. It's because I'm in love with [his] work ethic. God just gave Messi a talent, while Cristiano had to work for it.
"Even if he had the talent, but he had to work for it. I think if Messi had the same work ethic as Cristiano, Messi would probably have 15 Ballon d'Ors today. I'm just in love with people working hard. That's why I pick Cristiano."
No player has won more Ballon d'Or awards than Messi, who has received seven. He is followed by Ronaldo, who has five.
The Argentina captain could win his eighth Ballon d'Or accolade this year after leading his national team all the way to World Cup glory.
