With all the hype about the biggest football transaction of the year that never materialized, and United's Champion's League title, many people have put Lionel Messi on a second level and Cristiano Ronaldo on the throne by himself.
True, Ronaldo won both the European Cup and the Premier League title convincingly while Barcelona ended the year with only disappointment, but that doesn't change the fact that Messi is just a better player than Ronaldo.
Here are five convincing reasons why:
1) Messi is and has always been more of a team player than the Portuguese star. Ronaldo has received heat about his selfish play and while it is true that Diego Maradona called Messi a bit selfish in the last few weeks, the Argentinian does not reach the ridiculous levels Ronaldo can sometimes achieve.
2) Age at this point in the two superstars' careers is a very underrated factor. Messi is two years younger than Ronaldo. Usually this is not a considerable difference, but compare Ronaldo from two years ago to today, and you will definitely see a difference. Additionally, the maturity level of a 21-year-old player to a 23-year-old is significant. For proof of this look at Ronaldinho, who didn't really reach his peak until he was about 25.
- B/R Ticket Guide
3) To most fans the integrity of the game is a big topic. Diving always takes away from the honesty and beauty of football, and unfortunately, Cristiano Ronaldo has perfected the art of diving as much as Olympic gold medalist Matthew Mitcham. Messi, on the other hand, is a warrior. His small frame seems easy to take down. However, it appears like he always runs between someone's legs or stays on his knees to keep a play going instead of splashing onto what some dream to be a huge green swimming pool.
Another point for the Argentine.
4) Success with the national team is always key, especially when one speaks of Argentina or Portugal, and this is where Messi has the largest advantage. At only 21, the South American prodigy has won an U-20 World Cup, an Olympic gold medal, and has reached a Copa America final. Ronaldo, at 23, has been to one Euro final as the host, and that was four years ago, when Figo was still king in Portugal. It just always seems like Ronaldo ends up owing Portuguese fans a little more, while Messi, at his very young age, has given them plenty to gloat about.
5) Attitude is the single most important attribute in sports. Messi has it all. The way he takes punishment and keeps going and his never-say-die mentality are admirable. You will never see Lionel Messi on the ground unless really injured, or with his head down before the end of a game, or even jogging if there is any remote chance of getting to a ball that's seemingly unreachable. Now take a look at Ronaldo. While his talent and potential are unreal, we see images too often of him crying, arguing, or just throwing tantrums that take away from his abilities and his team's chemistry.
Diving and attitude go hand in hand, which is why it is normal to see Ronaldo on the floor for several minutes, and almost impossible to see Messi in the same situation.
All in all, I think Messi deserves to be put at a higher level than Ronaldo.
He's just a better player.
comments (83) write a comment »
write a new comment
about 1 month ago
Wow, what an article! I completely agree with everything you've so eloquently argued.
I can't believe this hasn't gotten more reads! 4 stars (I rate harshly) and a POTD.
You've got yourself a new fan.
from about 1 month ago
thank you hope you keep reading!
from about 1 month ago
I can see you Peeps dont know anything about futbol-or-soccer...what eva you wana call it"
Messi is good!!! But better then Ronaldo" Are you stupid!!!!!!!!
Messi can't do the things that Ronaldo can do..I think your really really really P$#@$#@%.....
Can messi kick the ball like Ronaldo? Hell No
Can Messi run faster then Ronaldo? Hell No\
Messi does used more team work your right on that but he has to, because he cant do it on his own!!!! An Ronaldo It's just Too dam good""""
Dang all i got to say is you really Stupid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!sorry but you are!!!!!!!!!!!!!
from about 1 month ago
Gera, all i have to say is Messi can run faster and if football players were rated for how well they kicked the ball it would be a pretty boring sports. As for the teamwork part, NOONE can do it all on his own because the beauty is it's a team sport. and by the way, im not stupid or P$#@$#@% BUT THANKS.
from about 1 month ago
heres 5 reasons why your wrong.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo LED his team to the two most prestigious trophies in club football. messi led them to "only disappointment". Just because Ronaldo does not pass the ball every time he gets it does not mean he is not a team player. Again, he led his team to 2 championships, what more could a team mate ask for?
2. For this debate, age does not matter. Although you have a valid point with the 2 year age difference, that does not make messi a better player now, but only possibly in the future.
3. Yes, Ronaldo has a history of diving. Does he use it to his advantage as much as he used to, or for that matter as much as many other top flight players do, no. Also now-a-days, unfortunately, diving has become a huge part of football, not only in England but all around the world. If Ronaldo has "perfected" it like you accuse, then this is another part of his game that is better than messi's.
4. Winning an olympic gold medal in football is just as good as winning the charity sheild in England. Though it is a great achievement to have, it is not on that provides any credentials. Yes, Argentina have and most likely always will be a more successful football nation than Portugal, that does not mean that Messi is a better player than Ronaldo. If you are going to make your point based on thier countries success, I could say that Emile Heskey is a better player than Andriy Shevchenko. Which we can all agree is false.
5. Again, you are right that attitude serves as a main component of a good player. While Messi has a fight till he dies attitude, Ronaldo has a more lets win this game attitude. When called upon, Ronaldo will take the ball down the field, taking on defenders left and right, put the ball in the back of the goal and win the game. One example of many that comes to mind is when Manchester United were playing Fulham in the FA Cup and found themselves 1-0 down. United got a late equalizer and the game seemed to be certain to go to a replay at Fulham. Then Ronaldo apprehended the ball around the half way line, beating defenders all over the field, and put the ball into the back of the net, sending Fulham out and United on to the next round. Messi has a fight till he dies attitude because alot of the times he finds himelf fighting to win the ball back after he loses it. Ronaldo rarely loses the ball and when he does he always tracks back and does his best to win it back. Also it is a known fact that many players that come up against Ronaldo do their best to hurt/foul him. When you know that is coming and you can produce magic from a free-kick, why not go down when fouled?
from about 1 month ago
all very valid points Aiden. I'll just say it's an insult to all sports to say the Olympics are like the Charity Shield, adn it's an insult to Portugal to compare them with Ukraine. As for the debate about Ronaldo leading his team to glory and Messi to "only disappointment", Barcelona didn't have the team Manchester United had last year. Ronaldinho was overweight and slow, Henry looked old and was injured alot, Eto'o missed a large part of the season due to injury, just to name a few. Ronaldo had Rooney, Tevez, and Giggs, among others. All guys I would rather have than Ronaldinho or Henry if you look at their current form. Finally, as for beating defenders from midfield, watch Messi's gem against Getafe in the Copa del Rey (the equivalent to the FA Cup), and watch as he beautifully puts it in the back of the net. It's good to have this discussion, and we could go on forever. THanks for your comment.
from 10 days ago
tell me a single reason with honest why u like messi ?
1. ronaldo is a terrific scorer.messi no way.messi is far behind.
2.ronaldo is a great header.messi just dream to art that skill.
3.the best in dead ball specialist.That is called RONALDO ROCKETS.messi just dont have the power.
4.great dribbller.messi does it manageble.
5.messi is a cheater.look the game against a.madrid(that free cick)
6.funny diving just like child.(the penalty against a.madrid)
7.not a BORN WINNER like ronaldo.
my messege for messi (PLZ TRY UR BEST FOR UR HIPPOCRITED FANS.BECZ U WILL NEVER REACH THAT LEVEL RONALDO BELONGS TO.SORRY BUT IT IS THE THUTH.)
from 10 days ago
First of all the free kick against a madrid is not cheating its called intelligence. as for his dribbling, look at his goal against espanyol y the spanish cup and try to find one ronaldo has scored like that. As for his scoring, hes not a forward. you may like ronaldo and he is a great player but when talking about players the heart has to be separated from the brain
about 1 month ago
As a United fan I agree that Messi is the better player, but there's a reason why he's been placed behind Ronaldo this year. All those individual awards are given for the performances over the season, and rightly so with more emphasis on form than talent.
With Ronaldo and United's performances in 2007 and 2008, he definitely warrants greater mention. Messi may be more talented, but he is rather injury-prone whereas Ronaldo's recent surgery was the first time he's been out in ages. It would been unfair to overlook Ronaldo's form over the entire season while Messi lies on the treatment table. It so happens also that the spotlight changes from one winning team to the next. Last year, Ronaldo was put in the shade by Kaka because of the ass-whooping Milan gave to United. Similarly this year, Messi's Barca were shut-out and defeated by United.
I'm not certain if all managers would pick Messi over Ronaldo if they were up for sale. A great player needs to be fit and not susceptible to frequent injuries. Football today is a physcially demanding sport. Fitness and form are just as important as talent (and attitude).
from about 1 month ago
Great arguments. A list could also be made of why Ronaldo is better than Messi but in my opinion Messi has it all to be the greatest (if he stays healthy), while Ronaldo will probably not get alot better than he already is.
from about 1 month ago
you consider talent as one footed, quick, and close control n good link up play..or power header, freekicks, dribbling, shooting, flat out speed..thats talent buddy.
from about 1 month ago
Yes I agree that has been out due to his injury but he did play against United where he played much better than Ronaldo.
from about 1 month ago
Hear hear, Mitesh.
about 1 month ago
1) "the Argentinian does not reach the ridiculous levels Ronaldo can sometimes achieve." - This is an opinion rather than a fact. You only need to watch Manchester United week in and out and to see all the chances Ronaldo sets up for his teammates or all the passes he makes when he could've had a shot at goal himself.
3) What happened to Messi's integrity when he decided to score with his hand?
4) Conveniently overlooked the fact that Ronaldo reached the WC 2006 semis with Portugal while Messi didn't. Ronaldo reached the Euro 04 final at the age of 19 and WC semis at 21. Loaded statements like 'Messi has given them loads to gloat about' doesn't change facts. It's funny how you're crediting Messi for all of Argentina's little success while bringing in other players when mentioning Portugal's.
5) Ferguson would have something to say about that. Ronaldo gets hacked to the ground time and again but he doesn't let that deter him. He has been the most fouled player in the premiership in the last few seasons but you don't see him shying away from taking on defenders.
You can worship Messi all you want but not by downplaying Ronaldo's huge contribution to his club and NT. Believe it or not, there are areas where Messi can't compete with Ronaldo. Ronaldo is the better header of the ball, two-footed, and less injury-prone than Messi can ever hope to be.
from about 1 month ago
Those are good points and I will never deny Ronaldo's talent. However, first of all you cannot deny that Ronaldo has been criticized many many times about his selfish play. Second, I mentioned Ronaldo being in the Euro finals at 19 but he was not the leader of that team and many other players deserve more praise than him for that feat. And if you're speaking of fact, the facts are that Messi has two titles and one final with his national tema, and he made the WC quarterfinals. Ronaldo is still drawing blanks with the national team. As for Him being hacked to the ground, there's no arguing that. But there is also no arguing that Ronaldo dives...ALOT. Thanks for the comment! The reason why I write is for a good discussion and you make great points.
from about 1 month ago
The tournaments won by Messi with his national team aren't considered major titles in football. If we're talking about silverware, Ronaldo has the advantage as he has won major trophies with his club while playing the pivotal role, Messi hasn't. We can aruge that at club level, it just always seems like Messi ends up owing Barcelona fans a little more, while Ronaldo, at his young age, has given United fans plenty to gloat about ;)
I also want to add that Ronaldo played an important role in taking Portugal to the Euro 04 final even if he wasn't the 'leader' on the pitch. The world began to take notice of him during the tournament and that wouldn't have happened if his contribution on the pitch was as insignificant as you're making it out to be.
from about 1 month ago
im sorry but olympic gold is always considered a major title. It´s always good to have a good discussion though. thank you
about 1 month ago
I agree with a lot of your points but i'll give you 1 reason Ronaldo is better. Consistancy!!! the most valuable asset a footballer can have. Messi is marginally more talented than Ronaldo. Ronaldo is a million times more consistant than Messi.
from about 1 month ago
Great point, but Ronaldo's consistency wasn't what it is now when he was 21 like Messi is.
from about 1 month ago
Even though I prefer Messi to Ronaldo, I have to agree with you on that.
from about 1 month ago
Consistency? He's done well the last two seasons yes, but I think we can only talk about consistency in a few years time when messi has developed into his early to mid twenties. Especially considering his injuries.
In the big matches though, Messi seems to have more impact than Ronaldo.
from about 1 month ago
This article is called why lionel messi is better than cristiano ronaldo not why lionel messi is going to be better than cristiano ronaldo.
about 1 month ago
Come on guys. You know Messi is better than Ronaldo. He is only 21. But I still think Ronaldo is still the best footballer of the year because of his achievements and his contributions to Man U's success. Messi may never get the best footballer of the year award if his team does not win major events even if he plays better than Maradona.
CR and Leo are both great players with different styles, but I think 20 years from now people will still remember Messi and Ronoldo will be forgotten. I am by no means no analyst or football specialist. This is just my personal opinion.
from about 1 month ago
I agree with that. Ronaldo deserves the footballer of the year and you can't argue the titles. Thanks for the comment.
about 1 month ago
Cristiano Ronaldo is on a completely different level than Messi. Ronaldo scored 42 goals from the midfield position, which is something Messi will never do. Cristiano's team won the Champions League and English title (And Ronaldo scored the key goal in the champions league). Ronaldo has been to the WC Semi final and the Euro Final. Cristiano is faster, better in the air, has a more powerful foot, taller, stronger, and more deceptive.
This isn't a competition
from about 1 month ago
I think you're the only person who doesn't believe this is a competition. Ronaldo was on a much better team last year. I wouldn't say Cristiano is faster or more deceptive. As for taller, Pele and Maradona weren't to tall if I remember correctly. As for recent achievements, Messi also won the olympic gold and I think that counts for something. Oh and I don't recommend you start your arguments with "you're an idiot, they lose credibility". Thanks anyway.
about 1 month ago
I don't think CR would have scored 42 goals if he had played for Barca last season and that's a fact.
from about 1 month ago
barca won those two spanish titles and champions league only becoz of Ronaldhino . He won it and after his form got away we all know wat happend to barca now from the last two years his form is down and they won nothing even with the so called the messi or eto or even henry . Ronaldo won for manutd two EPL titles and Champions league. Messi won nothing and about national teams Guys think the difference between argentina national team is one of the best in the world and where as portugal dont even have a good striker. that is the differnce between national teams . so how do u think ronaldo`s going to win world cup or European cup and First of all these so called world class english players did not won at all, how the hell the portugal team going to perform only with one world class player. Argentina got not only messi , it has got Ageuro , lavezzi , maxi rodriguez , tevez all world class defenders and midfielders . think about it. AND ABOUT DIVING WHO DOEST DIVE , MESSI IS A DIVER WATCH THE FULL MATCHES AND HE SCORED WITH HANDS AND HE IS A INJURY PRONE PLAYER . WHERE AS LOOK AT RONALDO JUST CAME FROM A SURGERY HE PLAYED AGAINST VILLAREAL AND HE DID NOT EVEN PLAY A RESERVE MATCH BEFORE THAT , THAT IS CALLED QUALITY AND DETERMINATION
from about 1 month ago
you make valid points but you can NEVER call Messi a diver. He´s a fighter. He never goes down after the first touch.
about 1 month ago
I wonder why compare Messi and Ronaldo?
They both are talented players and both are equally important to their respective clubs as well as national sides.
Is Messi better than Ronaldo?
Your key arguments fall in the field of attitude, character, and success with national team.
Just one question, do you consider Eric Cantona deserves to be a footballing legend?
His on field behaviour and short tempered nature are well documented. His success rate with French national squad is not much talked about either.
If you answer yes, then your article loses its voice.
If you answer no, then well, you can live in our own disillusioned world but do visit Old Trafford once, to get in touch with reality.
Please do reply. ;)
from about 1 month ago
Nothing against Cantona, but I wouldn't put him on these guys level. I also do believe I am very much in tough with reality.
Why compare them? because it's what journalism is about, stirring up conversation, opinions, and valid arguments. Your arguments are valid, and I believe mine are too.
Thanks for the comment.
from about 1 month ago
Haha appreciate your outlook! Nice to see such fellows around!
I still maintain though by your arguments I can only assume Messi is a better person but going by Ronaldo's achievements, I still consider him the better player at this point of time.
If I had to choose one of them to start in a must win match today, I would go with Ronaldo coz he is the better player at moment with the stats backing him and to win, I need guys who deliver results on the field, not sermons!
Still, enjoyed your article ... If you are interested, take a look at my articles.. I could use your opinions! ;)
from about 1 month ago
Dev, would you really choose Ronaldo in a must win match? He hasn't performed in any truly big matches.
p.s. glad to see the 'argument' diffused with integrity.
about 1 month ago
Great article Alejandro!
from about 1 month ago
Thanks alot!
about 1 month ago
I disagree with you. I have been amazed by Messi ever since I saw him at the U-17 tournament, but I think his game is much less varied than Ronaldo's. Messi is strictly left-footed, and he never does step-overs or feints--his dribbling style is entirely based on close control and quick cuts inside and out, much like Ryan Giggs in his prime. When Messi gets the ball and there is no space to run into, he frequently slows down and waits for a pass to open up, whereas Ronaldo confuses defenders with his trickery and opens up space for himself by making it impossible to tell what he'll do next. Also, Ronaldo can play anywhere in attack, while Messi primarily stays on the right wing, which seems a waste for a left-footer as you always know he will cut in on his stronger foot. I've also maybe seen Messi score from outside the 18 once for Barcelona, and that was on a fortuitous volley in a friendly match. And he doesn't take free-kicks, and he isn't as big a threat on headers. I would also not bring a discussion of fair play into this, as everyone in football cheats and polarizing figures like Ronaldo are of course going to be blamed more than popular players like Gerrard who also dive. And Messi tries to score with his hand whenever the opportunity presents itself, which is worthy of a direct red card and a much greater offense than a dive. Maybe if Ronaldo was a little more grounded and hard-working, like Messi, he truly would be unstoppable. As it is, he is still the superior player.
from about 1 month ago
Great response, I agree completely.
from about 1 month ago
That is a great comment you've made me re-think a little. Giggsy's left foot bias was always a frustrating thing about him. Messi does have a little of that about him.
from about 1 month ago
In my opinion Ronaldo goes a little too far with the faints and dribbles while Messi just runs by people, a much more direct way of dribbling. I would not compare him to Ryan Giggs because he is just a a differnent level talent-wise. Giggs was never the best, he was just a very good player in his prime. Messi scored with his hand twice and that´s not to be denied. The truth is Messi does not dive, he keeps battling after he receives the first kick, and Ronaldo is famous for diving, especially after he did it over and over on football´s biggest stage, the 2006 WC. As for free kicks, take a look at him on the argentine youth teams, he took the free kicks. He just hasn´t done it yet for Barcelona because they had Ronaldinho and the national team has Riquelme. Besides, when did Ronaldo start taking free kicks? he wasn't Messi´s age, he was a bit older. Good arguments. thanks for the comment.
from about 1 month ago
Hmm... I don't understand why Messi not doing step-overs and feints is somehow a disadvantage in any way when compared to Ronaldo's dribbling. The purpose of dribbling is to get past a defender and this is something (some would say, maybe rightly, one of the few things) Messi does far far better than Ronaldo. I simply don't see how him having a dribbling style based purely on close control and cuts makes him more predictable. If he is, then defenders surely should be stopping him much more regularly than they do don't you think? We shouldn't be seeing him dribbling past two or three defenders many times in most every match he plays in no? His dribbling style, if you look closely, is exactly the same as Maradona's, for me, by far the greatest dribbler of all time. Here is just a sample, mainly from disagol and kei16662 on Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORkdrZDi1io
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Edp5t7Fv5Po
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNQwsDeDh8c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3IOtklXwzs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hHhaHSaTlQ
Just for comparison's sake, here's a clip from Messi:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD40AX_a6-s
Look at the magnificent ball control they both have, whether when stationary, jogging or running at full speed. It is well said by so many people that Messi's dribbling is already the greatest seen since Maradona's time (better than even Ronaldo the Brazilian, himself one of the greatest of all time in this aspect), an enormous compliment. They aren't predictable just because they never ever do step-overs or any of the tricks that the other great dribblers in football history used. On the contrary, the fact that they can get past their man so quickly, and without even needing to use a trick, makes them much more dangerous, and much more worthy of attention from other defenders. Now, a point I can see is that C. Ronaldo's dribbling is more aesthestically pleasing, because of his flair, although even with this, I disagree as I much prefer the sight of Messi leaving several defenders in his trail. Anyway, sorry for belaboring your point. It's just something I've seen many times and I thought I should have a go in saying my piece now.
about 1 month ago
well everything u point out is based on morals and ethics of the game along w/ the national team success but no offense, a Euro is a lot harder to win than a copa america which he lost badly to an ok brazil, and olympics and u20? cmon... if u wanna say hes a better person and stuff ok, but to say hes better is outrageous..barcelona won the champions league sure, but ronaldinho was still very much the king..the pace, power, goalscoring ability, freekicks all out number messi's qualities its simple really, he is younger so i can't take anything away from him, but to argue he is better is disrespecting the achievements and strides ronaldo has made
about 1 month ago
you say my arguments are all based on morals and you say this: "to say he´s better is outrageos" why is it outrageous? if it were so outrageous it wouldn´t even be a discussion in popular media. However, many people take Messi over Ronaldo, that is plain fact. I do not disrespect Ronaldo, he is an amazingly talented player. I never said anything about Barcelona´s Champion´s league title because I agree that Ronaldinho was the king. However, I think Messi is faster, smarter, and a better team player, but that´s just my opinion. Thanks for the comment.
about 1 month ago
I think this article is subjective because no-one knows how either would get on if they swapped leagues. Personally I'm a big Messi fan and do not care at all for Ronaldo (despite his obvious talent) but that is just my opinion.
from about 1 month ago
Of course it`s subjective, it`s an editorial. It`s based on opinion backed by facts. Obviously people have their opinions and they are all equally valid. thanks for the comment hope you keep reading.
from about 1 month ago
Sorry I meant to say "issue" not "article", my fault sorry I wasn't trying to state the obvious :-)
from about 1 month ago
that's ok just making sure. thanks for the comment
about 1 month ago
I see many compelling arguments for both players and certainly they are not too far apart. There are some differences that I feel need to be touched on. 1) Their presence, when Ronaldo and Messi are playing the opposition knows where they are at all times. In my opinion, Ronaldo attracts more attention due to his fancy tricks (does not mean they are better or affective) as well as his personality which is far more vocal. Messi you never hear anything negative about or hear him speak out (which is a good thing you can argue).
If you look at Manchester this year without Ronaldo in the Squad they are a shadow of themselves, Ronaldo in my opinion means more to his team than Messi does because of their team dynamic. I certainly believe Messi can and will eventually surpass Ronaldo but one thing I feel Ronaldo has over Messi and that is a chip on his shoulder. I am not saying Messi is not a driven individual, but that Ronaldo is one of the most determined and ambitious players out there. Great article though
from about 1 month ago
I certainly agree that the difference between the two is minimal, and that is why a comparison raises eyebrows. You make very good points. thanks for the comment and hope you keep reading
about 1 month ago
Great article. Especially the way you described about Ronaldo's was AWESOME.
about 1 month ago
dude ronaldo is obviously a better player, 42 goals last year i mean come on. you talk about succes on the national team (which now ronaldo is the leader of his team and Portugal has considerably less talent then argentina), what about succes on club, ronaldo helped united get the double last year while messi hasn't done anything with barcalona. anyway you talk about maturity messi appeared in football when he was liike 16 so ronaldo and him have been in the leauge about the same.
about 1 month ago
First am going to start out by saying great article Alejandro
Now for the good part, when you compare two great Players like Messi and Ronaldo you have to look for diffrent asspects, would C. Ronaldo have scored 42 goals in The Spanish League? We dont know. C. Ronaldo does dive alot and when I mean ALOT its because he really has a tendacy of Diving he feals like if its neccesary. Ronaldo over does it with the step over's, you never saw the GREAT Pele,Maradona,Cryuff,and Platini do so many step overs they played Simpled and Beautifull football dont get me wrong step overs come in handy when their neccesary but just for the simple fact of doing them before passing the ball its pointless. Ronaldo does header the ball better then Messi and has more power in his shoots, but i dont believe hes faster then Messi and height dosent have to do with anything like Alejandro said he dosent remeber Pele and Maradona to be tall s do I, so height shouldnt be mentioned.
Character wise Messi is very humble in all his interviews I seen him or heard him he credits everybody else for them helping him, on the other hand Ronaldo its pretty much the opposite. Messi is much more of a team player than Ronaldo is. Ronaldo also cracks under pressure didnt he miss the pk in Camp Nou and also in The Champions League final so if your going to talk about Consistancy should also talk about that, what happend in the Euro 2008 all this hype about portugal and Ronaldo. What happend in Bejing 2008 oh yeah Argentina won te Olympics. When Messi gets injured hes training everyday so he could do what he does best to play fooball its life to him, what does C. Ronaldo do goes to some award shows kicks it in the beach, in one hand you have a boy that lives for football and the other that lives fame
Its as easy as That
from about 1 month ago
Would Ronaldo have scored 42 goals in the Spanish league? We don't know. He could've scored 62 for all that we know. Ronaldo HAS cut down on the diving, but if we're going to bring that up all the time, we shouldn't be overlooking Messi trying to score with his hand whenever he gets the opportunity. How many Ronaldo interviews did you read? He's ALWAYS thanking his teammates for passes and the manager for his support and the faith showed in him. Just because the media paints Ronaldo as an arrogant, self-centred prick doesn't mean he is one. Point in case, when he was interviewed after receiving the Golden Boot in Madeira, he said 'I think football is changing if wingers pick up such awards instead of strikers'. But the media quoted him as saying "I changed football" when he made no such statements. True, Ronaldo missed the pentalty against Barca, but where was Messi? He didn't take Barcelona past United either, why don't we mention that? Ronaldo was scheduled to return back in October after his ankle surgery, but he made his come-back in mid-September because he worked hard in training to get fit as quickly as he could. Just because he can successfully handle both football and fame doesn't mean he doesn't live for football.
about 1 month ago
Messi also has a better overall scoring rate in his career, and is also a Big game player... Remember that hat trick against Madrid...?
One more thing Messi has, is a higher dribble success... he can easily unpick defences with his speed and close control...
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for the comment. good stats
from about 1 month ago
Can you please tell me where you came across the scoring rate?
Here are the stats I came across -
Ronaldo: 206 starts and 106 goals in all competitions for United and Portugal = 0.51 goals per game
Messi: 101 starts and 51 goals in all competitions for Barcelona and Argentina = 0.50 goals per game
If you consider all the appearances including substitutes-
Ronaldo: 256 appearances and 106 goals in all competitions for United and Portugal = 0.41 goals per game
Messi: 128 appearances and 51 goals in all competitions for Barcelona and Argentina = 0.398 goals per game.
Source: http://soccernet.espn.go.com/players/stats?id=45843&&cc=4716 and http://soccernet.espn.go.com/players/stats?id=22774&cc=4716
Better overall scoring rate? I don't think so.
about 1 month ago
Love your article! Messi is the first player to get me excited since Zidane. Even when Ronaldinho and Eto'o were in their prime, Messi was able to steal the limelight and make a name for himself.
I just want to add that Messi has a lot more determination and persistence than Ronaldo. The last clasico is a great example as to why this little player is admired and respected. The entire Barca team had given up from the first whistle and Messi was the only player running and creating chances while literally all of his teammates were strolling around and staring at him as if he was nuts for even trying.
As for Ronaldo's arrogance, in his most recent interview he stated that "Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player" and that he deserves to win all awards even the noble peace prize. Seriously who speaks about himself in the third-person?!
from about 1 month ago
I agree with everything you said. The most obvious show of arrogance is speaking of yourself in the third person. I would pay a million dollars the day I see Messi saying "Lionel Messi is the best player in the world". Thanks for the comment.
from about 1 month ago
Please post a link to the interview. I can say I read somewhere that Messi said he should be Argentina's next president, but it means squat without a source.
from about 1 month ago
http://uk.reuters.com/article/footballNews/idUKSP33721320080914
I don't have anything against Cristiano, but he did prove this summer that he's an attention seeker with the way he used the whole 'Ronaldo to Madrid' saga to feed his ego.
about 1 month ago
If my memory serves me right, a certain Andy Cole scored 41 goals in a season for Newcastle United some years ago. If the argument is that Ronaldo is a better player because he scored 42 goals, I'm just not convinced. I admit that he is creative both on the ball and with his diving and winking and has also shown that he can score goals. That said however, I reckon Messi is a better player. He may not have scored 42 goals but he's shown over the past few years at both club and national level that he is a match winner as well. In terms of creativity, he holds his own. So of the two, I think Messi is a better player
from about 1 month ago
Cole was an out an out striker and he won nothing for those 41 goals. I think your stretching a bit with that one a bit ziggy!
about 1 month ago
While both players will go down as some of the greatest players of all time, I can only see Messi being mention among the greatest like Pele, Maradona, Cruyff, Ronaldinho..., they are completely different players though, Ronaldo even though they call him a winger most of his goals come from the "number 9" striker position doesn't mean thats bad, on the contrary he has an eye for goal!, while Messi plays and alot of goals start from a his wing and even at times all the way from his own half, also alot of people say Ronaldo is much faster than Messi, (I even saw an AD of Ronaldo outrunning some racing car lol), most people saying that only saw Messi on the CL match against Man U(they pay no attention to La Liga), when he was just coming back from injury, and is true Messi wasn't using any running speed cause the staff and him were concerned of another injury since he came back almost 2 weeks too soon, but when you see them fully fit, I can't really tell who is faster, maybe even Messi would have the advantage cause his first step is like no other player in the world right now.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for the comment, I believe Ronaldo is a great player, however, I agree with you that only Messi will go down in history with the great names you mentioned.
about 1 month ago
Messi over Ronaldo any day!
about 1 month ago
I am biased as all hell, but I'm gonna take a stab at arguing that Cristiano Ronaldo is indeed the better player, and Ronaldo conveniently takes care of most of the arguing himself.
The only argument that I think really has any legitimacy is that of Messi's age, which point to the incredible potential of this player. Ronaldo was not quite at Messi's level at the same age, but greatness is not determined by potential.
Regarding Ronny's selfishness, his significant drop in assists this past term could be considered troubling, but if one is trying to use this trait to paint Ronaldo as Messi's inferior, one must only look at his goalscoring record, its consistency, and its depth to realize that this selfishness is for the most part justified. Lets not forget that he scored more than Rooney and Tevez combined, though perhaps at their expense it is still an impressive feat.
from about 1 month ago
You make good points. However, I don't believe goal scoring equals greatness. If this were true, Romario would be greater than Maradona. The selfishness i'm talking about isn't reflected by assists, it is seen many times when Ronaldo goes for the impossible individual play when he has an open pass, something Messi does not do as often. Thanks for the comment
about 1 month ago
Viva Ronaldo!
from about 1 month ago
The Brazilian Ronaldo!! haha thanks for the comment
about 1 month ago
those reasons are not good enough, cause in todays football, it i smore about what u can acheive and not reallly how you do it..yea maybe messi is a good person! that daesno mean he is a good footballer..i love messi, but in teh past yaer c ronaldo has been the better of the two.
about 1 month ago
Messi is a better person off the pitch than Ronaldo in my opinion. However, if we're talking about skill then Ronaldo is better.
How many goals did Messi score last season? How many did Ronaldo score?
Other than national team success at the Olympics, Messi hasn't had nearly as much club success as Ronaldo.
Ronaldo is quicker and more creative than Messi. You need to be creative and quick when you're at midfield.
Feel free to disagree. =)
-Thomas
about 1 month ago
me too a big fan of messi from last 2 and half years and he is 100 times better than ronaldo what a perfect article.
about 1 month ago
As much as I would love to dive head first into this argument, id first like to state that each player is diff. in there own light and they each take on different roles for there respected clubs. One is not better then the other they are both at the top of there game in the upper class of the football world, but before you state that Messi is better take into account Barca hasn't won anything in which messi has put the team on his shoulders oh besdies when he couldn't get on the score sheet at Old Trafford where Ronaldo's team won 1-0. Whereas Ronaldo played a more then vital role in United's double winning season last year and in all competitions scored 42 goals while Messi in all competitions scored 16......Its one thing to say they're both great but please don't say one is better i love them both theyre amazing young talents but at the end of the day you cant argue results. And to say Messi is easier to bring down b/c hes smaller is laughable b/c in the football world the smaller man has a better/lower center of gravity which makes him harder to take down (ex.- Kun Aguero, Messi, Tevez.). Also to act as if there is some huge age diff. in the 2 years is again misguided, there both in similar circumstances playing for two of the biggest clubs in the world and maturity is a personal matter. And to say Messi has accomplished more by wining a gold medal at the olympics, and a u-20 world cup, and getting to the final of copa america????? First of all the olympics are a 2nd rate talent pool wen it comes to soccer "with exceptions to Brazil this year who wanted it bad and showed it on there team sheet, & MESSI WHOS CLUB DIDNT EVEN WANT HIM THERE" and a u-20 world cup means about as much as just getting to the copa america final......not much..... when he gets on the big boy stage and wins in Europe or even wins a La liga crown then lets talk about accomplishments.....I think Ronaldo takes his 2 premiere league titles, young player of the year, players player of the year, and his Champions League trophy "in which he scored united's only goal" over messi's youth accomplishments any day of the week. Messi is great but your barking up the wrong tree
about 1 month ago
oh yea and another thing, you only see Ronaldo frustrated and throwing tantrums because he strives to win at all coasts and its frustrating when things don't go your teams way....I give him credit for that not just shaking your head and walking off the field you have to take whats yours, hes done this since he was at Sporting, and by the way i fail to realize a moment where Messi took control of his team and got a victory or got them out of a bad spot, whereas Ronaldo does it once a month....Where was Messi when Madrid stormed through them at the end of last season?where was Messi when Barca lost to Numencia a formally relegated side on match day 1 this year? where was Messi when his team needed a goal at old trafford last year? Ask yourself these questions and dont just say hes got potential, because hes one of the greatest footballers in the world right now and by trying to say hes better then the guy who is on top just makes you look bad.
about 1 month ago
In my Opinion Messi is a way better player than Ronaldo, if you want to talk about Club titles, how many years has Ronaldo been at Manu before he won a title. Ronaldo skill is years and years of working on it and he even doesn't do it naturally, how many times have you laughed at ronaldo doing stepovers and almost falling on his face? Messi doesn't do stepovers as i believe Argentines don't usually do it, its just natural skill that Messi has and beats defenders and that makes him a more skillful player and better player overall than Ronaldo.
Ronaldo use the World Cup 2006 the incident with Rooney to get more persons attention to do his made up skills and everybody fell for it, How many persons watching Ronaldo today was watching him before the World Cup? He is an arrogant, cheating and selfish player who idolizes Maradona and still hasn't learnt anything from the great one.
Ronaldo isn't even better than Aquero!!!!!
about 1 month ago
Oh no!! this is not true,
1) messi plays for his own, not for the team.
2) you said best player, and for this, the age is not important, not at all
3) messi is not a warrior, and he doesn't defends when he loses a ball, ronaldo yes
4) the successes with the u-20, he is not the only player in the team, and in those ages any team can win (my country, Spain is the second with most U competitions won)
5) maybe is true he is more friendly than ronaldo, ronaldo is a complete dickhead
This is mine (6) does messi knows how to shoot hard? Shoot a free kick 40metres? kick a corner?.., i could be with this ages...
1st Ronaldo
2nd Agüero
3rd Van der Vaart or Villa
from about 1 month ago
First of all, whoever says Messi is not a warrior just hasnt watched him play. ANY TEAM CANT WIN U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS, thats just a hollow argument. As for your top three, the first two are respectable but Van der Vaart isnt even the best player on his team. What about Kaka? Gerrard? Torres? Van Nistelrooy, Drogba, Ibrahimovic. i could go on. I would put all those guys ahead of Aguero, Van der Vaart and Villa right now.
about 1 month ago
I can't believe you said Giggs is not a legend. He has been called the best left winger of all time by pundits.
The Olympics btw is not a major tournament, it is a bit like the confederations cup, it is not in the top-tier of tournaments. Additionally, the players playing in the Olympics are not the best in the world; the Champions League has the best players in the world. Messi winning the Olympics gold is not on par with Ronaldo winning the Champions League.
Argentina has been a traditional powerhouse at national level; Portugal on the otherhand have been somewhat less talented. Its unfair for you to say Ronaldo is worse because his country is weaker overall, Messi has been lucky to be in a team full of other talented footballers.
Some of your statements do make sense, but next time do take care to cover up the flawed logic in your argument
from about 1 month ago
All I have to say is Giggs is only a legend in Manchester United and the United Kingdom. If you want to call Giggs a legend you would have to call alot of guys legends, and to me legendary status is reserved for very very few, or else the term would just be thrown around. Messi was a big part of Barcelona winning the Champions league although all Ronaldo lovers say it was ALL Ronaldinho. And just like Argentina has been more of a powerhouse, Man U was a better team than Barcelona last year with better players at almost every position. Barcelona might have had big names but Henry Ronaldinho, Etoo, Thuram, among others were not even close to their best.
about 1 month ago
So I've read all these comments for and against Messi and Ronaldo and I've come to the conclusion that, at this moment in time, Ronaldo's case is the more convincing.
Whilst Alejandro's arguments are solid, they're hard to prove and have no real stats to back them up. Whereas Ronaldo's proponents do. And that's why Ronaldo's case is more convincing to a lot of people at the moment: he simply has the better hard stats at this point in time (combined with media hype I must add). Stats are the hardest form of evidence (they are facts) that you can present in a case like this. Stats are quantitative whereas Alejandro's arguments are qualitative and that's why it's too hard to really convince any neutral on the border that Messi is a better player.
But the reason why so many of us are passionately arguing in favour of Messi is because we know stats aren't everything. We KNOW Messi is the better player from what we've seen of the two players. We know it, but we can't quantify it, and thus, we can't prove it.
Maybe it's frivolous to try and prove it through debates like these though; at least right now anyway. Because if Messi is as good as we all think he is, he'll prove it himself over the next few years.
And a lot of us are confident that that will happen.
But for people who are undecided RIGHT NOW, I ask you to just think for yourself. Just watch a few videos (ideally watch full matches) of Messi and Ronaldo in action, then make up your own mind of who is the better player based on what you actually see, because then you won't be swayed by stats that don't tell the whole story e.g there's no stats on how good a player's control of the ball is, there aren't any stats that tell you how much influence the player had on the match overall, there aren't stats on 'teamwork', intelligence etc etc
Finally, I just wanna add that I get the impression Barcerlona the club and it's fans DO know how lucky they are to have a special player like Messi. I might be wrong cos I'm not a Barca follower but my current understanding is that they put him close to or the same level as Ronaldinho (what would the world's view of Messi be if he wasn't in the same team as Ronaldinho at his peak?). I think this is because, for so many people, he's the only one who has really lived up to the bill of 'the next Maradonna'. Just watch Messi's "hand of god" and his almost identical goal to the famous one Maradonna got against england and you can see why http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ishInxc7HqE.
about 1 month ago
Ryan Giggs is one of the most decorated footballers in history; of course he is a legend.
from about 1 month ago
oh so you would put ryan giggs with Pele, Maradona, Zidane, and those types of players?? I dont think so
from about 1 month ago
Since Ryan Giggs hasn't won a World Cup he'll never be given the respect he deserves. The man is one of the best European footballers of his generation.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryan_Giggs
Actually have a read, you'll probably be suprised.
25 days ago
the only argument cristiano ronaldo fans have is that cristiano ronaldo scored 42 goal last season, thierry henry in season 03/04 scored 39 goal and had 11 assist, but he did not win ballon d'or why?
why does cristiano ronaldo deserve ballon d'or and not thierry henry.
goal is never a reason to decide who is the best player in the world because if you score alot of goal, you uselly scored only taps in, that's what cristiano ronaldo does score taps in, messi beats defender then he either pass or shoots.
And cristiano ronaldo plays so bad in the national team, while messi plays great.
And beside i am not so surprise that cristiano ronaldo scored so much seeing as he always took a shoot instead of passing a player who had a better chance of scoring.
And for you guys saying that cristiano ronaldo was a attacking midfielder last season, i laugh at you,
the guy was in the penalty area more than wayne rooney, he was the only one stayed up and never help the defence.
srsly guys you are giving him to much praise.
But i think that last season the best player was not messi and by faaar not cristiano ronaldo, but casillas(i'm a barça fan).he was the only reason why real madrid won the throphy, hell he was the only reason why real madrid was top 3.
write a new comment