Point out Cristiano Ronaldo and, invariably, inside 10 seconds somebody will deliver up Lionel Messi.
The pair have shared a rivalry arguably better than one ever seen in a workforce sport beforehand.
For over twenty years, and fuelled by the expansion of social media, the talk has raged from Sydney to Nova Scotia. Who is best? Ronaldo or Messi?
Their careers inextricably linked, sharing narratives hooked up to the elite golf equipment and the elite competitions ever since they burst on to the scene within the early- to mid-2000s. Hundreds of thousands of phrases written to push one case or one other.
Máximos goleadores de la historia del fútbol
— Mundo Deportivo (@mundodeportivo) February 4, 2025
Ronaldo nonetheless speaking himself up
Ronaldo has indulged the dialog greater than Messi. On Monday, he appeared on Spanish TV to declare himself the “most full participant that has ever existed”.
He added: “I do every part in soccer. I play nicely with my head, I take good free kicks, I’ve a left foot, a proper foot, I’m robust…
“Folks may like [Lionel] Messi, [Diego] Maradona or Pele, and I respect it, however I’m essentially the most full.”
His willingness to speak himself up maybe comes from realizing that, if a world ballot have been to be held, he would possible come second in reputation to his Argentine rival.
That’s a declare that can not be confirmed however, importantly, shouldn’t detract from a really outstanding profession. Judging one all-time nice shouldn’t at all times must be by means of the context of one other.
Each males nonetheless going robust
Ronaldo and Messi at the moment are within the twilight of their careers, seeing out their enjoying days within the states of Saudi Arabia and Florida, the place the solar at all times shines and the financial institution accounts accrue further noughts every day.
That doesn’t imply they’ve eased off, although.
Having captained Argentina to Copa America glory final 12 months, Messi returned to Inter Miami to steer his franchise to the Supporters’ Defend.
Ronaldo final night time netted a brace, together with a trademark header that defied gravity, as Al Nassr thrashed Al Wasl 4-0 within the Asian Champions League. He’s additionally the highest scorer within the Professional League this season with 15 targets in 17 video games and netted 923 occasions in his profession.
Males can’t fly.
Him: pic.twitter.com/racggplnh6
— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) February 3, 2025
There is no such thing as a signal of him slowing down as he chases that elusive one thousandth objective.
“I’m so aggressive that generally I neglect what I’ve achieved,” he mentioned, “as a result of it provides me motivation to do extra and do higher yearly … I believe that’s the distinction with others. Any person else in my place would have left soccer 10 years in the past. I’m totally different, full cease.”
Pair share identical traits
It’s maybe unlikely both would ever admit it however Ronaldo and Messi are remarkably related in outlook, if not at all times strategy.
The Portuguese is overtly expressive, demanding and, sometimes, petulant.
Each participant who shared a dressing room with Messi at Barcelona throughout his heyday would recognise all these attributes within the South American.
So, what now?
Properly, Messi turns 38 this 12 months however has already said his want to steer his nation as they try and defend their World Cup crown in the US, Canada and Mexico subsequent summer time.
Ronaldo will even hope to be there with Portugal. By then he could have achieved his said objective of 1000 profession strikes.
We are able to however dream however an Argentina v Portugal remaining – which isn’t totally implausible – could be the proper send-off ought to they resolve to float off into the sundown.
As for who was higher? Who cares. We maybe have two years left of this endearing chapter in soccer historical past. Take pleasure in them, cherish them, we are going to miss them when they’re gone.
The post Put Messi rivalry to 1 facet and luxuriate in endearing brilliance of each first appeared on Foot & Soccer.
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Author : footsoccer
Publish date : 2025-02-05 08:22:28
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