“He’s never happy with what he does” – When Luka Modric Picked Between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi

In the eternal debate that has divided football fans for over a decade, Luka Modric once weighed in on the rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi — and the Croatian midfield maestro had some compelling insights to share.

Modric, who has had the privilege of playing alongside Ronaldo for years at Real Madrid, offered a heartfelt reflection on the Portuguese icon’s relentless nature and incredible work ethic, qualities that he believes set Ronaldo apart from most players in the game’s history.

Speaking in a past interview, Modric was asked to compare the two titans of the sport — Ronaldo and Messi. Though diplomatic in tone, his praise for Ronaldo was particularly glowing, and he gave the world a glimpse into what it was like to share a dressing room with one of football’s fiercest competitors.

“The most special thing about Cristiano Ronaldo? His work ethic,” Modric said. “He always wants more and more. He’s never happy with what he does. This is amazing.”

The Croatian legend emphasized that it wasn’t just about scoring goals or winning trophies for Ronaldo — it was about the constant pursuit of perfection. According to Modric, this insatiable hunger was what made Ronaldo such an influential figure on and off the pitch.

“The demand he put on himself and the team was unbelievable,” Modric continued. “It was this mentality that lifted all of us. He expected excellence every single day, whether it was in training or during big matches.”

Modric, a Ballon d’Or winner himself in 2018, didn’t hesitate to declare Ronaldo one of the greatest players to ever wear the iconic white shirt of Real Madrid. “I think everyone will agree that Cristiano was one of the best, if not the best, player for Real Madrid,” he said.

“In terms of scoring goals, titles, individual records, and team trophies, he was so influential. He was a leader on and off the pitch. It was such a pleasure to play with him all these years and to win so many trophies together,” Modric added.

Indeed, the duo shared some of the most memorable nights in modern football history, including four Champions League triumphs between 2014 and 2018. Their chemistry on the field was electric, and their success was built on mutual respect and a shared winning mentality.

But Modric’s admiration for Ronaldo goes beyond their time at the Bernabéu. Speaking ahead of the 2022 World Cup, he expressed his hopes for Ronaldo to finally lift the most elusive trophy of his career.

“I hope he will win this World Cup, he is the best player in history and he deserves it,” Modric said at the time. “He is playing a great World Cup, he shows quality and greatness in every game.”

While Modric didn’t dismiss Messi’s greatness — after all, the Argentine had an equally phenomenal career running parallel to Ronaldo’s — it was clear that his bond with CR7 and their shared triumphs left a lasting impression on him.

His comments reflect a deeper truth in the footballing world: while Messi’s genius often appears natural and effortless, Ronaldo’s greatness is viewed through the lens of tireless dedication and mental fortitude. That distinction often influences how players and fans perceive the two legends.

More recently, pundits such as Rio Ferdinand have begun shifting the conversation to the future — wondering who will take the mantle from Messi and Ronaldo. Young stars like Lamine Yamal of Spain and Désiré Doué of France have begun emerging on the biggest stages, drawing comparisons and prompting discussions of a “changing of the guard.”

“A really special mention for Doué,” Ferdinand said after the Euros final. “A 19-year-old kid playing on the biggest stage like it’s a playground at the back of his house.”

And yet, while the new generation begins to bloom, the influence of icons like Ronaldo and Messi remains deeply embedded in today’s football culture. They are the measuring stick for what greatness means, and Modric’s reflections serve as a tribute to the unprecedented legacy they’ve left behind.

Modric’s words offer more than just a comparison. They are a reminder that greatness isn’t only measured in goals or assists but also in the standard one sets for themselves and others.

Cristiano Ronaldo, in Modric’s eyes, wasn’t just a phenomenal player — he was a relentless leader who demanded the best, not just from himself but from everyone around him. And for Luka Modric, that made all the difference.