The old king gives way to the new
In 2007, Kaka dominated the football world by clinching the World Footballer of the Year and the Ballon d'Or with his stellar performance at AC Milan. The likes of Messi and Ronaldo trailed behind him, acknowledging his superiority. However, the subsequent years witnessed a seismic shift as Ronaldo and Messi ascended to the pinnacle of football, leaving legends like Cruyff, Beckenbauer, Zidane, and even the original Ronaldo in their wake. Their legacy now rivals that of Pele and Maradona, solidifying their claim as the greatest of all time.
Fast forward to December 31, 2022, when the football fraternity was shaken by the announcement of Ronaldo's move to Riyadh Victory Football Club in Saudi Arabia. The staggering contract of $75 million per season until 2025 raised eyebrows, marking a paradigm shift in the football landscape. Not to be outdone, Messi made a dramatic announcement on June 8, 2023, declaring his intentions to join Miami International. The departure of both icons from the European stage signaled the twilight of their illustrious careers, with Ronaldo at 38 and Messi at 35 years old.
Comparison of brilliant careers
Reflecting on their remarkable achievements, Ronaldo boasts an enviable collection of 3 Premier League titles, 2 La Liga titles, 2 Serie A titles, and a record-breaking 5 Champions League titles at the club level. On the international stage, he secured a UEFA Nations League title and a European Cup title, adding to his illustrious career. With 5 World Footballer of the Year and 5 Ballon d'Or awards to his name, Ronaldo's accolades speak volumes about his exceptional talent.
Meanwhile, Messi's legacy is equally awe-inspiring, boasting 7 La Liga titles, 2 Ligue 1 titles, and 4 Champions League triumphs with his clubs. His international accolades include a Copa America title and a World Cup triumph, further cementing his status as a football phenomenon. With 7 World Footballer of the Year and 7 Ballon d'Or awards, Messi's cabinet is brimming with individual honors that underscore his unparalleled skill and consistency.
While Ronaldo holds the edge in total career goals with 837 compared to Messi's 805, it's essential to note that Ronaldo's seniority of 3 years gives Messi an edge in single-game goal rate. Despite Ronaldo's impressive goal-scoring record, his World Cup performances pale in comparison to the rising sensation, Mbappe, with Ronaldo only managing 8 goals in five World Cup appearances and a shocking zero goals in the knockout stages.
In contrast, Messi's World Cup journey saw a redemption arc in the 2022 edition, where he scored a total of 7 goals, including crucial strikes in the knockout rounds, rewriting his World Cup narrative. With a total of 13 goals across five World Cups, Messi's resilience and impact on the grandest stage set him apart from Ronaldo.
As they approach the twilight of their careers, Messi's enduring influence and unmatched skill place him ahead of Ronaldo in the annals of football history. Messi's evolution into a team leader and game-changer, coupled with his ability to deliver on the biggest stages, solidifies his status as the definitive football legend, overshadowing even the mighty Ronaldo.
Who will you support？Messi or CRonaldo ？