Luiz Felipe Scolari, former coach of Portugal, has stirred the longstanding debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi by revealing his reasons for consistently voting for Ronaldo in the Ballon d'Or. During an interview on the Abre Aspas programme, Scolari explained that while Messi is a natural talent, Ronaldo's greatness is a result of his relentless work ethic and dedication. He shared personal anecdotes, including a touching moment when he had to inform Ronaldo of his father's death, highlighting Ronaldo's commitment to the national team over personal grief. Scolari also recalled how Sir Alex Ferguson would call him about Ronaldo's intense training regimen, emphasizing the forward's dedication to improving his game. As both players prepare for their sixth World Cup appearance, Scolari's insights offer a deeper understanding of their contrasting journeys in football, reminding fans that their rivalry is shaped by personal stories beyond statistics.