He’s losing the PR battle

For years the narrative was that Ronaldo was a petulant brat, whereas Messi was a grounded team player. Over the last few years though the public perception has started to change, with stories emerging of Messi running the dressing room and forbidding managers from substituting him, even if it was just to give him a rest. The situation has reached a crisis point this season, with persistent rumours of a fall-out with manager Luis Enrique, and rumours that the Argentine wants to leave and join Chelsea. By contrast Ronaldo is now seen as a supremely motivated and dedicated machine, who has stopped at nothing to improve as a player and ensure Real are no longer put in the shade by their great rivals.