Published 2nd May 2024
Messi or Ronaldo? The big old debate that fueled the world of football for years. These two legends are now in their final professional years, and no matter who you support, it is safe to say that both of them are some of the best football players that the world has ever seen.
The main rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona have broken every record possible in the world of football, and it is incredible to see that both of them are still working tirelessly despite all of their success.
Ronaldo and Messi can be compared in millions of different ways, and each side of the argument will have something to say. Just to fuel the debate even more, we've decided to compare the speed of Messi and Ronaldo on the pitch.
Can they run as fast as a horse in the Preakness Stakes online betting odds? They are fast, but I wouldn't make this bet.
But let's go back to these football legends and find out which is quickest, Ronaldo or Messi.
What Speed Are We Talking About
Football as a sport requires athletes to have many different skills and abilities, and one of them is speed. However, speed is measured in many different ways and all of them can impact the game in one way or another.
First, we have, straight-line speed, which is often useful for counterattacks. Then we have acceleration, which is very important for maintaining possession. We also have average speed, which measures the athlete's pace and endurance, and the speed with a ball, which is considered dribbling.
In order to make a proper comparison between these legends, we have to compare them in all of the segments we mentioned above.
Top Speed
When we are talking about straight-line speed or top speed, Cristiano Ronaldo is obviously superior. His bigger physique allows him to make bigger steps and achieve higher top speed. Ronaldo's top speed is around 40 km/h, making him one of the fastest athletes in the world. He achieved this speed in a Premier League fixture against West Ham United.
To make a more accurate comparison, Kylian Mbappe, who is considered one of the fastest athletes nowadays, has a top speed of 35.67 km/h.
On the other hand, Messi has a much lower top speed of 32.5 km/h.
Acceleration
When we are talking about achieving their top speed, the situation is very close. Both of them have powerful acceleration, but for the sake of this comparison, we will go with Messi, since he will most likely reach his top speed faster.
But on the other hand, we have Ronaldo, who managed to run 96 meters in 10 seconds. This was when he played for Real Madrid against their rivals Atletico Madrid.
Speed With the Ball
This is another way of comparing these legends, and it can be seen from many different angles. First, we have speed with the ball on an open pitch with no defenders, in which case Cristiano Ronaldo will obviously be faster since he can kick the ball far and run to it quicker.
On the other hand, we have a more realistic scenario with defenders trying to get the ball, in which case the dribbling skills of the athletes shine.
We have to agree that in this scenario, Messi will obviously be quicker, since his dribbling skills give him the edge.
Average Speed
The average speed on the court depends on the athlete's involvement. If the attacker stays at the front and waits for his teammates to pass the ball, he would have a lower average speed.
If we compare Messi and Ronaldo's average speed, we can see that Messi is more involved in the game. Messi has an average speed of 23 km/h and Ronaldo has an average speed of 22 km/h. They are close, but Messi has a slight edge.
Statistical Analysis
A closer look at the statistics provides insights into Messi and Ronaldo's speed and movement patterns.
Data from the 2017-2018 season reveals that Ronaldo averaged a sprint distance of 107 meters per game, highlighting his tendency to make direct runs and exploit spaces behind the defense.
Messi, on the other hand, exhibited remarkable agility with an average of 112 accelerations per game, emphasizing his ability to navigate through congested areas with quick bursts of speed.
Comparative Analysis
In head-to-head matchups, such as clashes between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF in the UEFA Champions League, Messi and Ronaldo have showcased their speed and skill on numerous occasions.
Ronaldo's explosive runs down the wing often catch opponents off guard, while Messi's ability to change pace and direction in an instant is leaving defenders flat-footed. These contrasting styles contribute to the ongoing debate about who holds the title of the quickest player.
Impact on Gameplay
Beyond individual accolades, Messi and Ronaldo's speed influences their respective team's tactical approach.
Ronaldo's speed often leads to direct counterattacks and quick transitions, capitalizing on defensive vulnerabilities.
Messi's agility and close control enabled him to orchestrate intricate build-up play, unlocking defenses with precise passes and dribbles. These nuances highlight how speed, combined with technical prowess, shapes the dynamics of a football match.