Brazil legends divided on final: Ronaldo backs Spain, Ronaldinho hails Messi's Argentina

As the football world gears up for the blockbuster World Cup final between Argentina and Spain on Sunday, two Brazilian legends have weighed in with contrasting takes on the mega showdown. While Ronaldo Nazario has predicted a comfortable victory for Spain, his compatriot Ronaldinho has showered praise on Argentina and his former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi.

Ronaldo: 'Spain will win easily'
In a conversation with his 2002 World Cup-winning teammate Denilson on his official TikTok account, Ronaldo Nazario offered a bold prediction. According to the Brazilian great, Spain will 'easily' beat Argentina to claim the title.

"Spain will win easily, and the match will not be very difficult for them. France and Spain were my favourites from the start," Ronaldo said. "The way Spain is playing their passing football, which is in their DNA, they have been playing this philosophy for a long time."

The former striker credited Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola's philosophy for Spain's dominance. "I think Guardiola's philosophy, which started at Barcelona around 2006-2007, has had a big influence. The way Spain controls matches, the speed of their passing and their ability to tire opponents by holding positions—it's truly great," he added.

Ronaldo also praised Argentina's fighting spirit and Messi's magical performance in leading the team to the final. "Argentina deserves praise for the way they have turned matches around several times. Messi has once again created a beautiful story at the World Cup. There is a lot to learn from this team's character and comeback mentality," he said.

However, the Brazilian remained sceptical about Argentina's chances against Spain. "I have doubts about how much they can benefit against Spain. Spain's game has an automatic rhythm; they will dominate possession throughout. Argentina will not be able to keep the match at 1-0 or 2-0 because they will face a tough test against Spain's possession," Ronaldo explained.

Ronaldinho: Argentina's unity and Messi's brilliance
In an interview with Globo, Ronaldinho lavished praise on Argentina's collective spirit and determination. "Argentina is just like that. I love watching this kind of football. The dedication of the players in every match is simply extraordinary," he said.

The Brazilian magician highlighted the team's mental resilience and the presence of Messi as key factors. "Argentina has always been like this, right? This is about an indomitable spirit and pure heart. They had this reputation before, and this time they have come to the final in the same way. And of course, my friend Messi is there, who alone can solve any problem for the team," he said.

Ronaldinho also praised the team's unity and the willingness of other players to run for their captain. "There is a great humility in this team. Everyone on the pitch runs for Messi. They know very well when to give the ball to him and also know that Messi can change the fate of the match at any moment. Seeing this unity in the team is truly beautiful," he added.

Ronaldinho and Messi shared a dressing room at Barcelona for four seasons, winning five official trophies including the Champions League. The friendship they built during that time remains intact to this day.

Spain reached the final with a 2-0 win over France in the semi-final, having conceded only one goal throughout the tournament. Argentina, on the other hand, came from behind against England in the semis to set up the title clash.

While Ronaldo believes Spain's possession-based control will be too much for Argentina, Ronaldinho trusts the spirit and unity of La Albiceleste to rise to the occasion. With Messi, the eternal competitor, in their ranks, Argentina will be looking to prove the doubters wrong once again.