Put Messi rivalry to one side and enjoy endearing brilliance of both
Mention Cristiano Ronaldo and, invariably, within 10 seconds someone will bring up Lionel Messi.
The pair have shared a rivalry arguably greater than one ever seen in a team sport previously.
For over two decades, and fuelled by the growth of social media, the debate has raged from Sydney to Nova Scotia. Who is better? Ronaldo or Messi?
Their careers inextricably linked, sharing narratives attached to the elite clubs and the elite competitions ever since they burst on to the scene in the early- to mid-2000s. Millions of words written to push one case or another.
š„ MĆ”ximos goleadores de la historia del fĆŗtbol
šµš¹ Cristiano 9ā£2ā£3ā£ (1261 partidos)
š¦š· Messi 8ā£5ā£0ā£ (1083 partidos) pic.twitter.com/XM6HcJ6rywā Mundo Deportivo (@mundodeportivo) February 4, 2025
Ronaldo still talking himself up
Ronaldo has indulged the conversation more than Messi. On Monday, he appeared on Spanish TV to declare himself the āmost complete player that has ever existedā.
He added: āI do everything in football. I play well with my head, I take good free kicks, I have a left foot, a right foot, Iām strongā¦
āPeople could like [Lionel] Messi, [Diego] Maradona or Pele, and I respect it, but Iām the most complete.ā
His willingness to talk himself up perhaps comes from knowing that, if a global poll were to be held, he would likely come second in popularity to his Argentine rival.
Thatās a claim that cannot be proven but, importantly, should not detract from a truly remarkable career. Judging one all-time great shouldnāt always have to be through the context of another.
Both men still going strong
Ronaldo and Messi are now in the twilight of their careers, seeing out their playing days in the states of Saudi Arabia and Florida, where the sun always shines and the bank accounts accrue extra noughts on a daily basis.
That doesnāt mean they have eased off, though.
Having captained Argentina to Copa America glory last year, Messi returned to Inter Miami to lead his franchise to the Supportersā Shield.
Ronaldo last night netted a brace, including a trademark header that defied gravity, as Al Nassr thrashed Al Wasl 4-0 in the Asian Champions League. He is also the top scorer in the Pro League this season with 15 goals in 17 games and netted 923 times in his career.
Men canāt fly.
Him: pic.twitter.com/racggplnh6
ā AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) February 3, 2025
There is no sign of him slowing down as he chases that elusive 1000th goal.
āIām so competitive that sometimes I forget what Iāve achieved,ā he said, ābecause it gives me motivation to do more and do better every year ā¦ I think thatās the difference with others. Somebody else in my position would have left football 10 years ago. Iām different, full stop.ā
Itās perhaps unlikely either would ever admit it but Ronaldo and Messi are remarkably similar in outlook, if not always approach.
The Portuguese is overtly expressive, demanding and, occasionally, petulant.
Every player who shared a dressing room with Messi at Barcelona during his heyday would recognise all those attributes in the South American.
So, what now?
Well, Messi turns 38 this year but has already stated his desire to lead his country as they attempt to defend their World Cup crown in the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer.
Ronaldo will also hope to be there with Portugal. By then he may have achieved his stated goal of 1000 career strikes.
We can but dream but an Argentina v Portugal final ā which is not entirely implausible ā would be the perfect send-off should they decide to drift off into the sunset.
As for who was better? Who cares. We perhaps have two years left of this endearing chapter in football history. Enjoy them, cherish them, we will miss them when they are gone.
