If you are a soccer fan of any kind, then you’ll immediately recognize the names of Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) and Lionel Messi (Barcelona). These two are the biggest soccer stars in the last decade and only ones who are included in the conversation about the best soccer player in the world at this moment. They are the best and biggest, but who is better among the two? Today we decided to weigh in on the question.
Now, it looks like more people tend to lean towards Messi as a better player. One of the major reasons for that is that the Argentinian is more relatable. He is perceived as shy, isn’t so outspoken, so people tend to think of him as a humble man. C. Ronaldo, on the other hand, is viewed as selfish and arrogant at times, which didn’t do well for him in terms of likability. Still, C. Ronaldo is a better player and here is why.
Forget the number of goals, assists, and similar. Both of them are close in all of the statistical categories, individual awards and club trophies. Yes, Ronaldo has a two-year advantage, but people also tend to forget he played in the midfield early in his career while Messi always had an attacking minded. It’s the game of soccer that shapes Ronaldo as a better individual.
The Portuguese is almost equally good in all areas of the game. He is an attacking nightmare for the opponents and is able to create something out of nothing on the offensive end while also being a capable defender when needed. He can score with his foot or with his head equally well while being dangerous from set-pieces. Messi might be a better dribbler, but his heading game is non-existent, he can’t win an aerial duel, and his physical stature makes him easy to push around, although the opposing players are avoiding this since Messi gets easy foul calls from the referees.
C. Ronaldo is also a better player because he proved he can perform well everywhere he came. In Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, and Real Madrid; it didn’t take long for Ronaldo to become the biggest star on either of these teams. He can adapt, work with an inferior supporting cast, and he will thrive. Messi, on the other hand, is a system player. His game fits better to Barcelona’s system of play than Ronaldo’s would. But, removed from the system, Messi was never able to perform so spectacularly. Although Messi spent his entire career with Barcelona, we have his performance with Argentinian national soccer team as a sample size.
He has been a leader for the Argentinian team for almost a decade now and failed to win Copa America or World Cup with a squad that has some of the best soccer players in the world.
Although Ronaldo didn’t manage to win the World Cup, he brought his country the first major trophy in history, European Championship. And remember, the competition level is bigger in Europe and Portugal has nowhere near the players that Argentina has.
However, since there are no definitive parameters for determination of one’s quality in soccer, we will never know who is better. But we can argue, right?
