The fierce rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, their respect for each other, their El Clasico moments, and their fate at the World Cup. More than just a head-to-head comparison, this is the real story of two soccer legends.
( Ronaldo vs Messi )
Every soccer fan has heard the names Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. ( Ronaldo vs Messi )
These two players are rivals who have dominated the pinnacle of soccer from the late 2000s to the present day, and there’s plenty of drama and intrigue between them.
Today, we’re not just going to compare their records, but we’re going to take a look at some of the more interesting backstories between Ronaldo and Messi. ⚽🔥
🎤 1. Ronaldo and Messi, do they actually hate each other?
While many fans think “Ronaldo and Messi have a bad relationship because of their rivalry”,
in reality, they have a great relationship and respect for each other.
📌 Interesting anecdotes:
- At the 2019 UEFA Awards, the host asks, “Have you two ever had dinner together?”
- Ronaldo replied: “Not yet, but it would be great to have the opportunity in the future. Messi and I have a special relationship that has helped each other’s careers for 15 years.”** Ronaldo replied, “Not yet, but it would be great to have the opportunity in the future.
- Messi has also praised Ronaldo in multiple interviews, saying, “He’s an amazing player, he’s always been the best.”
🏟️ 2. El Clasico, what do they really feel?
Barcelona vs Real Madrid
From 2009 to 2018, Messi played for Barcelona and Ronaldo played for Real Madrid, winning numerous El Clasicos.
In these matches, they shattered each other’s records, set stadiums on fire, and set fans’ hearts racing.
📌 Unforgettable moments:
- In 2017, Ronaldo provoked Messi by taking off his jersey at the Santiago Bernabeu and mimicking the gesture to the fans 🥶.
- In the same game, Messi scored a buzzer-beater goal and roared in front of Real Madrid fans with his jersey 🦁
- The historic match in 2012 when the two players each scored a hat trick in the same game 🎩🎩🎩🎩
📊 3. Two people obsessed with outdoing each other
Both athletes are all about numbers and records to get to the top.
But along the way, they’ve also been caught obsessing over outdoing each other.
📌 Evidence of competition:
- After Messi won his fifth Ballon d’Or, Ronaldo trained like crazy for his sixth.
- In 2013, both Messi and Ronaldo were nominated for the FIFA Puskas Award, which Ronaldo himself promoted on social media by saying “vote for my goal” 😂.
- Messi became the La Liga’s all-time leading scorer (474 goals), while Ronaldo defended his honor by becoming the Champions League’s all-time leading scorer (140 goals) 💪
✈️ 4. Contrasting fortunes at the World Cup
Both had tremendous success with their clubs, but took different paths with the national team.
📌 Differences at the World Cup:
- Ronaldo: Won Euro 2016, Nations League 2019 🇵🇹
- Messi: Won Copa America in 2021, World Cup in 2022 🇦🇷🏆
Messi became a legend when he led Argentina to victory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar,
Ronaldo remains an important part of the Portuguese national team, but has yet to win a World Cup.
🏁 5. The never-ending rivalry
It’s 2023, and they’re playing in Saudi Arabia (Ronaldo) and the American league (Messi), respectively,
they still generate buzz around the world with each of their matches.
They may be past their prime and on their way to legendary status, but for soccer fans, their rivalry will live on forever.
Who is the greater player 🤔?
This debate will probably never end.
🎖 6. Differences in training philosophy between the two athletes
- Ronaldo is known for his steely self-care and physical training.
- He believes that “practice beats talent,”* and is known for staying in the gym long after his training sessions are over to work on his body.
- → In fact, Ronaldo was once diagnosed with a physical age of his early 20s even though he was in his mid-30s.
- Messi is a symbol of “natural flair and natural talent.”
- He overcame a childhood growth hormone deficiency to prove his genius with quick dribbling and accurate shooting.
- → Messi’s “go with the flow” style relies less on training and more on in-game understanding and in-the-moment judgment.
📺 7. Most memorable interviews that mention each other
- Messi: “I think Ronaldo has played a big role in changing world soccer for the better, and the competition with me has stimulated each other and made us both grow.”
- Ronaldo: “We are not friends off the field, but we respect each other. I feel very lucky to be able to compete with Messi.”
🌍 8. Fan reaction and cultural impact around the world
- Whether you’re in Europe, Asia, or Africa, the “Menaldo debate” is everywhere,
- YouTube, Twitter, TikTok, etc. have daily videos and tweets comparing the two players.
- In soccer games such as FIFA Online and PES, they are always the first choice of players.
- *”more than just soccer players, they are icons of their time.”
🔥 Who are the best players in your opinion?
⚽ Ronaldo? Messi? Let us know what you think in the comments! 🏆
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