The Cristiano Ronaldo-Lionel Messi debate has been existing for almost two decades now. Both of them have won numerous accolades that make them stand out from the rest of the crowd in the soccer world.
Although some believe that Messi has completed soccer, after winning the World Cup with Argentina in 2022, there are fans who still side with Ronaldo. The Portuguese holds the edge in UEFA Champions League trophies won (5). Recently, an old video of Ronaldo and Messi resurfaced. In the clip, the former was accused of trying to “rob” Messi’s award.
In 2007, at the FIFA Player of the Year award ceremony, former Brazilian superstar Kaka took home the award. It was a surprise, considering the numbers CR7 put up that year. He scored 23 goals and made 14 assists in 53 games for Manchester United in the 2006/2007 season.
The Red Devils managed to win the FA Cup and League Cup that year as well. As for Messi, he scored 17 goals and made 3 assists in 36 games. Just like Ronaldo, Messi did not win the league trophy that year.
Despite having a better goalscoring record, Ronaldo finished below Messi in the rankings for that year, in third. It must be noted that goals scored and assists made are not the only determinants when it comes to the best players for each year.
Many believed that Ronaldo took the snub personally, and even tried to “rob” Messi’s second-place award. Some even labeled this as the start of the legendary rivalry between the pair.
Messi holds the edge in major trophies won, with 34. Ronaldo is just behind at 32, but many believe that both of them could add to their cabinet in the coming years despite their age. Messi-led PSG are favorites for the Ligue 1 trophy almost every year, and so are Al-Nassr with the addition of Ronaldo and other former European soccer superstars.
Messi and Ronaldo will continue to be on the top of the sport even though they have slowed down right now. Apart from the numerous trophies they have won, both of them have managed to win billions of hearts with their impact on the sport.
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