Every football fan appreciates the talent of both Messi and Ronaldo, no matter how much they argue with each other. As a football fan, I know that we all have that same feeling that this rivalry is soon going to end since both athletes will most likely retire from professional football really soon.
This is not good for the sport. Are don’t think we have other athletes who have the same rivalry as Ronaldo and Messi. Both athletes have already admitted that this rivalry has pushed them to achieve incredible things and break record after record.
But which is better, Ronaldo or Messi? Well, if you ask iShowspeed he would scream “RONALDO” and he would probably start barking at you.
I think that’s not an important question at the moment. Both athletes obviously climbed to the top of professional football and each has its unique characteristics and abilities. Instead, I think it is the perfect time to reflect on some of the biggest head-to-head moments that these incredible athletes had together.
After all, they will soon leave professional football, but moments like these will stay embedded into the sport. For now, however, you can bet on them for top scorer of the MLS and Saudi League, respectively, in ClutchBet: https://clutchbuzz.clutchbet.com/
The Humbling of Madrid (Nov 29, 2010)
Okay, Ronaldo fans you can skip this one because I know it’s going to hurt. This was an El Clásico match that every Madrid fan wants to forget. Why? Well, Barcelona walked away with a 5-0 victory at Camp Nou.
Messi didn’t score, but he was definitely responsible for the score of the match, especially with the two incredible assists. What about Ronaldo? Well, it wasn’t his best day, and I’d say that he probably still has nightmares about it.
The Champions League Thriller (Apr 27, 2011)
Semi-final time. Messi decided it was his time to shine, netting two goals in a 2-0 victory at the Bernabéu. One of those goals? A mesmerizing solo run that made the Madrid defense look like training cones.
Argentina vs Portugal (Feb 9, 2011)
An international friendly, but when Messi and Ronaldo are on the pitch, nothing's really "friendly." This one ended 2-1 for Argentina, with both stars scoring. Messi clinched it with a last-minute penalty because why not add some drama?
The Battle of the Bernabéu (April 21, 2012)
In this crucial La Liga match, Real Madrid visited Barcelona in a game that could decide the title race. Ronaldo scored the winning goal in a 2-1 victory, which essentially sealed the league for Madrid.
This was a high-stakes match where both superstars showcased their talents, but Ronaldo's decisive strike and his famous "calma" celebration stole the show.
Champions League Final Rematch (May 3, 2011)
In the second leg of the Champions League semi-final, Barcelona hosted Real Madrid. The match ended 1-1, with Pedro scoring for Barcelona and Marcelo equalizing for Madrid.
Although Messi didn’t score in this game, his impact was undeniable, and Barcelona advanced to the final on aggregate, thanks in part to his first-leg heroics
Spanish Super Cup Thriller (August 17, 2011)
This match was a true spectacle, ending in a 3-2 victory for Barcelona. Both Messi and Ronaldo were on the scoresheet.
Messi scored twice, including the decisive goal in the 88th minute, while Ronaldo netted one for Real Madrid. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing the incredible skills and competitive spirit of both players.
El Clásico Hat-Trick (March 23, 2014)
In one of the most memorable El Clásico encounters, Messi scored a hat-trick to lead Barcelona to a 4-3 victory at the Santiago Bernabéu.
This match was a classic Messi performance, with the Argentine scoring twice from the penalty spot and adding another from open play. Ronaldo also scored, but Messi's brilliance overshadowed the Portuguese star in this encounter
Riyadh Season Cup (Jan 2023)
This friendly match between PSG, featuring Messi, and a Riyadh All-Star XI, including Ronaldo, ended in a thrilling 5-4 victory for PSG.
Messi scored early, and Ronaldo responded with two goals. Despite the non-competitive nature, both players displayed their enduring rivalry and quality, treating fans to a high-scoring affair
Who's the Real GOAT?
Statistics and analysis are the most important part of football, which is why we have to dive into some data.
League Goals and Assists in 2024
- Messi: 12 goals and 9 assists in 12 appearances.
- Ronaldo: 15 goals and 2 assists in 13 appearances.
Messi's been more of a team player, dishing out assists like he's Oprah giving away cars. Ronaldo, on the other hand, has been a goal machine, as always.
Hat-tricks
Ronaldo loves his hat tricks. He's bagged three this year alone, while Messi has none. Maybe Messi's saving him for the grand finale?
Free Kick Conversion
This one’s a kicker. Ronaldo's got a 25% conversion rate on free kicks this year, while Messi's sitting at a goose egg. Looks like Messi’s magical left foot has taken a short break from dead-ball situations.
Red Card Drama
Ronaldo's temper got the best of him in the Saudi Super Cup semifinal against Al-Hilal in April 2024. He was sent off for an elbow and a bit of referee rage. Messi, ever the gentleman this year, has managed to stay on the pitch without a single booking.
What’s Next?
With both stars in different leagues, the next face-off could be even more unpredictable. Messi's enjoying his time in Miami, teaming up with former Barcelona pals like Luis Suárez and Sergio Busquets.
Ronaldo, meanwhile, is leading Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. The anticipation for their next clash is already building up.