Endrick, a new football star recruited to Real Madrid, quoted Cristiano Ronaldo as his idol. This is also seen with Haaland, Mbappe, Saka, Vini Jr, Rodrygo, Kvara. So many young players today all state Ronaldo as an influence for them. Messi has more accolades than Ronaldo, but the only young players I can think that stated him as an influence is Julian Alvarez and Jude Bellingham. Why do you think most young players respect and admire Ronaldo more than Messi?
Because everything about Ronaldo from his story, looks, story, attitude/mentality is tailor-made for being popular on social media which also happened to blow up just when both him and Messi hit their prime’s. Messi on the other hand is more of an introverted footballing savant. Separate aspects from Ronaldo’s game is also easier/more iconic to try to duplicate (badly) growing up on the playground. Kids can always try to do ronaldo chops, stepovers, knuckleballs from stupid distances, sewey celebrations. Its kinda hard duplicate dribbling past 6 and chipping the keeper as a style if you know what I mean.