Luka’s Corner

In light of Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Real Madrid CF and La Liga, it is a perfect time to compare Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, the two best players in the world. Now that they are both playing in Spain, I have decided to compare the two using seven categories:

Scoring (adv. Ronaldo)

The former Manchester United forward has proven that he can score from long distance and from short range, while the majority of Messi’s goals come from inside the box. And, while Messi has scored 54 goals already for Barcelona, Ronaldo has scored 84 goals for Manchester United.

Passing (adv. Messi)

While CR7 is undeniably a gifted passer, especially from the wing, Leo’s, and Barcelona’s, game revolves around short passing around the box to set himself and his teammates up for goals. The majority of Messi’s 54 total goals came from quick give-and-go actions with Xavi, Iniesta, and Samuel Eto’o.

Dribbling (adv. Messi)

This was one of the closer categories because both players have proven themselves as tricksters with the ball, but the edge goes to Messi because of his ability to keep the ball so close to his feet. In terms of pure tricks, the Portuguese star has the edge over the Argentinean, but the Argentinean has the edge in terms of dribbling with a purpose.

Movement (adv. Ronaldo)

Even though Messi is a speedster himself, he cannot compare to Ronaldo in terms of making runs, receiving through balls on the run, and then finishing the break. Because of Ronaldo’s movement on the wing and up front, the Red Devils possessed the deadliest counter-attack in the EPL over the past two seasons.

Free Kicks (adv. Ronaldo)

CR7 runs away with this category because he actually took the free kicks for the Red Devils, while it is Xavi or Iniesta who handles that responsibility for the Catalan giants. If you need further proof of Ronaldo’s remarkable ability in set pieces, here it is.

Versatility (adv. Ronaldo)

Messi’s Achilles heel of sorts is playing against a physical team, like Chelsea FC in this year’s Champions League, so he excels in one type of game: a fast-paced, finesse game. Ronaldo has no such problem because he can rely on his physical strength to play in a physical game. The fact that he was successful in the especially physical EPL is proof of this. And, Ronaldo can also rely on his speed and quickness in a fast-paced, finesse game.

Accomplishments (even)

Both players have already won a Champions League title (and both have scored in the championship game), so there is no winner there. Also, both Ronaldo and Messi have won their respective leagues multiple times and brought home several cup trophies as well. The advantage goes to neither player.

Overall, Cristiano Ronaldo is a better soccer player than Lionel Messi. However, the debate is sure to come up more often now that CR7 will be going head-to-head with “Leo” in Spain. So, if you are still unconvinced by either side who the best player in the world is, stay tuned for the upcoming season.