WORLD SOCCER
Honduran referee Saíd Martínez reveals differences between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo on the field
The match official has taken charge of matches involving the Inter Miami and Al Nassr stars, in which both scored free kicks.
Saíd Martínez has established himself as Honduras’ top referee and was chosen to officiate at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, as well the 2023 Gold Cup final between Mexico and Panama, the second time he had taken charge of the showpiece match in that particular competition. He has also been in the middle of games involving Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, watching on as both, coincidentally, scored from free kicks.
Messi and Ronaldo “two totally different personalities”
He ended 2023 by receiving a plaque in recognition for what he has achieved in his career so far from Adán Fúnez, the mayor of his hometown of Tocoa. Following the event, he gave an interview to Honduras sports newspaper Diario Diez and explained the differences between how Messi and Ronaldo act on the field.
“They are two totally different personalities, but both are great players, I don’t think one stands out over the other. Refereeing Messi is a little calmer, he is a player who plays the ball and thinks about his game more than anything else. Cristiano Ronaldo is a little more demonstrative without being disrespectful. But refereeing them is without doubt a privilege anyone would like to have. Seeing them both score a goal from a free kick is something I will never forget,” Martínez said.
Martínez’s personal anecdotes with former Barcelona and Real Madrid icons
The Honduran whistler was also asked to revealed an anecdote with each player:
“With Messi, we shook hands before the game. I welcomed him and he thanked me. At the end of the game, I also remember that when everyone was chanting his name, he went to shake my hand, I will always remember that.
“With Cristiano, my anecdote is him complaining to me, confronting me, because I disallowed two of his goals. He didn’t even trust the VAR. Before the start of the second half, I called him over and let him know that I didn’t like the way he had come up to me. He admitted he was wrong and agreed with me. Then he focused on playing and scored a phenomenal goal from a free kick that helped his team win,” he stated.