The debate on who is the better player- Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi has been evergreen for years. While both players possess extraordinary talent, there are compelling reasons why Ronaldo emerges as the superior footballer.
Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo Trophies:
Cristiano Ronaldo, the 39-year-old football and soccer player is a five-time FIFA Player of the Year. He is the first active team sport athlete to exceed $1 billion in career earnings. Not just that, he has even passed Pele’s goal tally and made over 770 goals in all competitions.
On the other side is 36-year-old Lionel Messi from Argentina who has won the Ballon d’Or being the world’s best soccer player for the seventh time in a row in 2021.
| Lionel Messi | Cristiano Ronaldo | |
| Nationality | Argentina | Portugal |
| Club | Inter Miami | Al-Nassr |
| International Appearances | 180 | 205 |
| International Goals | 106 | 128 |
| International Trophies | 3 | 2 |
| Club Appearances | 867 | 999 |
| Club Goals | 715 | 745 |
| Club Trophies | 39 | 32 |
| Hat tricks | 57 | 63 |
| Ballon d’Or | 8 (2023, 2021, 2019, 2015, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009) | 5 (2017, 2016, 2014, 2013, 2008) |
| European Golden Shoe Awards | 2009-10: 34 goals 2011-12: 50 goals 2012-13: 46 goals 2016-17: 37 goals 2017-18: 34 goals 2018-19: 36 goals | 2007-08: 31 goals 2010-11: 40 goals 2013-14: 31 goals (shared with Luis Suarez) 2014-15: 48 goals |
Lionel Messi Victories and Trophies:
Let’s have a look at all the major victories, trophies, and goals by the Barcelona star Lionel Messi:-
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Victories, Goals, and Trophies:
Let’s have a look at all the major victories, trophies, and goals of the most famous sports person Christiano Ronaldo:-
Why is Christiano Ronaldo the Best?
Ronaldo and Messi both have won the hearts of their fans equally and it is really difficult to pick the best among them. However, being a Ronaldo Fan I’ll support it. And in this blog, we’ll see how Ronaldo is better than Messi. Here are 5 reasons why I consider Christiano Ronaldo to win the battle:
1. Physical Dominance:
Cristiano Ronaldo’s strong and powerful physical stature sets him apart from Lionel Messi. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches tall, Ronaldo possesses exceptional strength and athleticism. His physical presence gives him an advantage in aerial duels and allows him to overpower defenders.
Ronaldo has won an impressive 51.2% of his aerial duels throughout his career, demonstrating his dominance in the air. In comparison, Messi, who stands at 5 feet 7 inches, relies more on agility and finesse rather than physicality.
Furthermore, Ronaldo’s athleticism is highlighted by his remarkable speed. According to data from FIFA, Ronaldo has been recorded running at speeds exceeding 34 kilometers per hour, making him one of the fastest players in the world. This combination of strength, speed, and height gives Ronaldo a unique edge over Messi in terms of physical dominance on the field.
2. Adaptability and Consistency:
Cristiano Ronaldo’s powerful play is a testament to his adaptability and footballing intelligence. Throughout his career, Ronaldo has showcased his ability to excel in various positions and playing styles. Whether deployed as a winger, striker, or even a central midfielder, Ronaldo consistently delivers stellar performances.
He has scored goals with both feet and his head, showcasing his proficiency in different aspects of the game. Ronaldo’s adaptability is further evident in his defensive contributions.
Additionally, Christiano Ronaldo has several goal-scoring records against different opponents in various competitions. He has scored goals in the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and the UEFA Champions League, showcasing his ability to play in different leagues and tournaments. While Messie has not played many competitions.
3. Work Ethic:
Cristiano Ronaldo’s unparalleled work ethic sets him apart as a consummate professional. From his early days as a skinny teenager in Madeira to becoming one of the fittest athletes in the world, Ronaldo’s dedication to training and self-improvement sets him as an example.
Furthermore, Cristiano Ronaldo’s work ethic is evident in his goal-scoring record and performance consistency. He has scored over 700 career goals for club and country, averaging more than 0.7 goals per game throughout his illustrious career. Ronaldo’s relentless pursuit of perfection and dedication to his craft make him a role model for aspiring footballers worldwide.
No doubt Messi’s work ethic is also commendable but
4. Big Game Performances:
Cristiano Ronaldo’s ability to deliver in crucial moments sets him apart as a true big-game player. Throughout his career, Ronaldo has showcased his talent for scoring goals in high-pressure situations, particularly in the UEFA Champions League knockout stages.
He holds the record for the most goals scored in UEFA Champions League history, with over 130 goals to his name. Moreover, Cristiano Ronaldo has scored in multiple UEFA Champions League finals, including crucial goals in Manchester United’s 2008 triumph and Real Madrid’s consecutive victories in 2016, 2017, and 2018.
Additionally, Ronaldo’s ability to perform on the international stage further solidifies his reputation as a big-game player. He has scored important goals for Portugal in major tournaments, including the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA World Cup, leading his country to victory in the 2016 UEFA European Championship.
5. Global Impact:
Cristiano Ronaldo’s global impact makes him one of the most influential athletes in the world. With more than 600 million followers across social media platforms, Ronaldo has one of the largest fan bases of any athlete. Rising to fame, he has kept using his platform to promote social causes and charitable initiatives.
He ranks among the most marketable athletes in the world, with lifetime partnership deals with leading brands such as Nike, Coca-Cola, and TAG Heuer. According to Forbes, Cristiano Ronaldo consistently ranks among the highest-paid athletes globally, earning over $100 million annually from endorsements and sponsorships alone.
Through his CR7 Foundation, Ronaldo has funded numerous projects aimed at providing education, healthcare, and opportunities for underprivileged children. His commitment to making a difference off the pitch cements his legacy as a global icon and humanitarian.
Interesting Facts About Ronaldo:
- Cristiano can kick the ball about 8 1/2 feet in the air
- His top speed sprinting is about 21 miles an hour
- On average, he runs around six miles per game.
- The speed with which he kicks a soccer ball is 80 mph
Final Line:
Both Ronaldo and Messie are great players. Christiano Ronaldo can be called GOAT- the greatest of all time. Nevertheless, this is our pleasure to watch the best talents perform with their unique skills and strategies.