Point out Cristiano Ronaldo and, invariably, inside 10 seconds somebody will carry up Lionel Messi.
The pair have shared a rivalry arguably larger than one ever seen in a workforce sport beforehand.
For over 20 years, and fuelled by the expansion of social media, the talk has raged from Sydney to Nova Scotia. Who is healthier? Ronaldo or Messi?
Their careers inextricably linked, sharing narratives connected to the elite golf equipment and the elite competitions ever since they burst on to the scene within the early- to mid-2000s. Tens of millions of phrases written to push one case or one other.
🔥 Máximos goleadores de la historia del fútbol
🇵🇹 Cristiano 9⃣2⃣3⃣ (1261 partidos)
🇦🇷 Messi 8⃣5⃣0⃣ (1083 partidos) pic.twitter.com/XM6HcJ6ryw— 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 the whole lot in soccer. I play nicely with my head, I take good free kicks, I’ve a left foot, a proper foot, I’m robust…
“Individuals might 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 recognition to his Argentine rival.
That’s a declare that can not be confirmed however, importantly, mustn’t detract from a really outstanding profession. Judging one all-time nice shouldn’t all the time must be by means of the context of one other.
Each males nonetheless going robust
Ronaldo and Messi are actually within the twilight of their careers, seeing out their taking part in days within the states of Saudi Arabia and Florida, the place the solar all the time shines and the financial institution accounts accrue further noughts each day.
That doesn’t imply they’ve eased off, although.
Having captained Argentina to Copa America glory final yr, 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 objectives in 17 video games and netted 923 instances 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 a thousandth purpose.
“I’m so aggressive that typically I overlook 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. Anyone else in my place would have left soccer 10 years in the past. I’m totally different, full cease.”
It’s maybe unlikely both would ever admit it however Ronaldo and Messi are remarkably comparable in outlook, if not all the time strategy.
The Portuguese is overtly expressive, demanding and, often, 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?
Nicely, Messi turns 38 this yr however has already acknowledged his want to steer his nation as they try to defend their World Cup crown in the US, Canada and Mexico subsequent summer time.
Ronaldo may also hope to be there with Portugal. By then he could have achieved his acknowledged purpose of 1000 profession strikes.
We are able to however dream however an Argentina v Portugal ultimate – which isn’t solely implausible – could be the proper send-off ought to they determine 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’ll miss them when they’re gone.
