Giannis says he’s closer to Cristiano Ronaldo than Lionel Messi

Speaking at the NBA All‑Star Game’s Media Day, Giannis said he sees Messi as "a pure talent" who combined natural ability with hard work, discipline and long‑term consistency — "probably, maybe, the best player of all time." He added that he personally relates more to Cristiano Ronaldo’s mindset: "hard work, discipline, take care of your body, be consistent for many years.

He's 41 years old now, right? 41 years old, still playing high level," and while Ronaldo is "more flashy," their approaches to the game, love and drive to improve are similar. On the career comparison, Giannis said: "So when you ask me that question, I say Ronaldo but now if you put them, who has accomplished more in their career; eight Ballons d'Or, five Ballons d'Or, World Cup, not the World Cup, five Champions League, four Champions League, it's what you prefer." He added that reaching the point where people debate "Michael Jordan or Giannis" would mean he had already won in life.

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