Few rivalries in sports history compare to that of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. These two footballing giants have captivated fans around the world for over 15 years, breaking records, winning trophies, and redefining greatness. But beyond the well-known accolades and Ballon d’Or titles lie intriguing and lesser-known facts that reveal a deeper, more human side to these global icons.
Interesting facts
1. Ronaldo was almost a teen sensation… in table tennis
Before becoming a football legend, Cristiano Ronaldo was reportedly an impressive table tennis player. According to his former teammates, he could beat adults when he was just a teenager. His quick reflexes and hand-eye coordination, now legendary on the pitch, may have had early roots in ping pong matches at home and school.
2. Bettors wagered 500% more bets with Messi's arrival
The number of bets on Inter Miami has increased by 480% since Messi's arrival in June 2023, while bets on MLS as a whole have increased by 98%. Bettors wagered thousands of regular bets and surebets online and in land-based offices. The most popular bets were placed on Inter Miami to win and Messi to score goals.
3. Ronaldo’s jump is higher than a basketball star’s
Cristiano Ronaldo has an incredible vertical leap, reportedly up to 78 centimeters (30.7 inches), which is more than many NBA players. In fact, studies have shown he can generate 5 times the power of a cheetah’s jump during takeoff. This leaping ability has made him one of the most dangerous aerial threats in football history.
4. Messi’s first contract was signed on a napkin
One of football’s most legendary tales involves a napkin. When Barcelona’s then-technical director, Carles Rexach, first saw Messi’s skill, he didn’t want to lose the chance to sign him. With no formal documents on hand, he scribbled the initial contract terms on a napkin in December 2000. That napkin is now a treasured artifact in football history.
5. Ronaldo Is the first billionaire footballer
Cristiano Ronaldo became the first footballer, and only the third athlete ever, to earn over $1 billion while still actively playing. His income comes not just from wages and bonuses, but also from endorsement deals with brands like Nike, his CR7 fashion line, and savvy investments in hotels, gyms, and tech.
Nowadays, bettors can also earn a pretty penny (of course, not a billion but…) by operating with arbitrage betting. This strategy helps to outplay bookies and get a stable income despite the result of events. The maximum profit can be reached only with the help of special software like BetBurger, which greatly simplifies the arbitrage betting process.
Read more about arbitrage betting here: what is surebet (arbitrage betting)
6. Ronaldo’s heart surgery at 15 could have ended his career
At age 15, Cristiano Ronaldo was diagnosed with a racing heart, a condition that could have ended his career before it began. He underwent laser heart surgery, which corrected the issue and allowed him to return to training just days later. It's a little-known medical scare that could have changed the course of football history.
Conclusion
While the Messi vs. Ronaldo debate may never have a definitive winner, one thing is certain: their stories are as compelling off the pitch as they are on it. These two icons have not only redefined football, they’ve inspired millions with their resilience, quirks, and unwavering passion for the beautiful game.