The Greatest Of This Generation : Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi?

Lionel Messi won his 4^th Ballon D’Or on Monday night. In the process, making him the only player since the inception of the award to win four in a row. At the same time, beating off  media labelled ‘rival’ Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona teammate Anders Iniesta.

Lionel Messi-

A product of the famed, La Masia academy. Ever since making his professional debut for Barcelona back in 2004 against Espanyol in the Primera Liga, this football wizard has held the world in awe.  His ball control skills are second to none as well as often credited to be the best Argentinian No.10 since Maradona.

Messi’s game is carefully crafted, football seems more of an art rather than a sport for the little Argentine. It’s easy on the eyes. At club level, Messi has won everything with Barcelona. Nevertheless, the hunger for success still eludes him. However, this can’t be said the same for his performances at international level.

This article would not be able to cover the accolades that Leo has won as a footballer. In spite that statement, a spotlight should be focused on the Ballon D’Or he won this time around for his achievements last year. In March, he became Barcelona’s all time goal-scorer beating James Rodriguez’s 232 goals. The Rosario native, drew the curtains to 2012 by  whipping Gerd Mueller’s record of 85 goals in a single calendar year, which stood strong for 40 years.

Lionel Messi’s technical ability is a gift to the world. In short, Barcelona is for Lionel Messi and the same could be said in the reverse. The only downside to Messi’s career is that he has not won the World Cup. A trophy that the Argentines would be looking forward to win in 2014 when their arch rivals, Brazil, host the tournament.

Cristiano Ronaldo-

Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro. When he first stepped into Old Trafford after his £12.24M transfer from Portuguese club, Sporting Lisbon, very few people knew what is to be of him. The boy from Portugal became a world class sporting hero for many around the world, behind to another United hero, David Beckham and Lionel Messi soon after.

Under the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson, he blossomed. Ronaldo is known to be more of a character on the field compared to his counterpart, Lionel Messi. Consecrated with blistering pace,  he unquestionably uses it against opposing defenders.  

Charismatic, confident and sometimes criticized as being egotistical. Undeterred by critics, he manages to display such mesmerizing performances at times. Taking the game by the scruff of the neck and turning on the heat. Eventually, championing all three points for Real Madrid. Ronaldo is the complete player some might say.

The winner of the 2008 Ballon D’Or is overshadowed by the flair of  Messi when judged upon by the media and football fans around the world. Sometimes, he does not help himself, often going to ground easily and sometimes has a bag full of  too many tricks.

The guy who is named after the one time American president, Ronald Reagan has won his own set of admirers as well. Earning the Pichichi award as the La Liga top scorer in 2010-2011, in the same season helping Los Blancos to Copa Del Rey victory. 

His goal scoring momentum did not stop there, the following season he scored an amazing 46 goals in the La Liga and a total of 60 goals in all competitions. Consequently, beating a record that he had set in the previous season.

Conclusion-

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo between them comparisons will always be made by perceives of the beautiful game. On the other hand, it’s rather arbitrary. They are two individuals who will do whatever it takes to help their team win come rain or shine.

Messi has been brought up in the Barcelona school of thought. The Tiki-taka way of football, always looking out for his teammates, finding the right pass that can open up defenses. Ronaldo on the hand applies a more direct approach. Fast and tricky.

In a nutshell, both players employ different sets of footballing  philosophies that the world should sit back and revere.  Otherwise, we will only realize their massive contributions to the game once they call it a day on their respective careers.

Mark Gomez

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