Hamann, a former player for Bayern Munich, Liverpool, and Manchester City, stated that Ronaldo has never prioritized his team over his own interests. He also asserted that Messi would "100% not insist on playing" if a better option were available for his position.
In an interview with TopOffshoreSportsBooks, Hamann stated, "It's not about his mentality, but it's essential to prioritize the team. Both players have been the best in the world for the last 20 years, but if Messi were unable to contribute, he would definitely not insist on playing."
Hamann might be referring to Ronaldo's performance during Euro 2024, where Portugal was knocked out in the quarter-finals by France. Ronaldo didn't score any goals outside of a shootout and even missed a penalty against Slovenia in the round of 16. As the captain and primary forward, he failed to convert any of his 23 shots throughout the tournament.
Hamann pointed out that Messi, who recently led Argentina to victory in the Copa America, would prioritize the team by ensuring the manager selects the best starting lineup. He stated, "Messi would approach the manager and say, 'I don’t think I can perform at my best anymore. Consider a different formation. If you need me for the last 20 or 30 minutes when others are fatigued, I might be able to create something special.' He would never take a position that someone else could fill more effectively."