Published 17th Nov 2023
For over 15 years, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been the best players in the world. They have dominated the game and broken countless records, leaving fans in awe of their skill and athleticism. However, in recent years, their stranglehold on world football has somewhat loosened.
Following his explosive interview with Piers Morgan on the eve of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, CR7 was ushered out of Manchester United and exiled to the Saudi Professional League's A; -Nassr. his move triggered an exodus of several of the planet's top talents to the country, with the likes of Neymar and Sadio Mane both signing to play in the league in the recent summer transfer window.
The expiry of Messi's contract with Paris Saint-Germain saw the Argentine icon leave after two underwhelming years in the French capital. He too has departed for a lower-ranked league, opting to sign for David Beckham's Inter Miami in America's Major League Soccer. Despite the move, the former Barcelona captain still managed to claim a record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or in October 2023 off the back of one of his greatest-ever performances at a major international tournament.
While everyone has their preference as to who is the greatest, there's no denying that both players are legends in their own right. They have broken records and won countless awards throughout their careers. However, when it comes to major tournaments, some performances have stood out more than others.
Lionel Messi's Best Performance - 2022 FIFA World Cup
Messi has been the key player for the Argentinian national team since he burst onto the scene as a teenager back in 2005. Despite appearing in finals with the Albiceleste - namely the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the Copa America finals of 2007, 2015 and 2016 - the diminutive genius would have to wait 17 years from international debut for his crowning moment.
That came at the recent 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The soccer betting odds of various games made Argentina the favourites every time they set foot on the field as well as making them the +550 second favourites to win the tournament outright. Despite a faltering start that included a shocking defeat to lowly Saudi Arabia in their opening group game, the South American's campaign was kicked into gear courtesy of a Messi rocket against Mexico in his side's second group game. And they never looked back.
Their captain and talisman racked up seven goals and three assists - including two in a thrilling victory against France in the final - to secure the Golden Ball award, awarded to the best player at the tournament. Their triumph was Argentina's first World Cup success since the days of Diego Maradona some 36 years prior, and it cemented Messi's legacy as the greatest player that's ever lived.
Lionel Messi's Worst Performance - 2010 FIFA World Cup
In the biggest tournament in the world, Messi failed to produce his best performance at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Argentina had a talented squad, but Messi struggled to find his footing in the knockout stages of the tournament. Despite the Albiceleste blitzing through the group stages and past Mexico in the second round, Messi didn't manage to find the net once. It all came down in the quarterfinals when they were thumped 4-0 by an upstart Germany side that had just beaten rivals England 4-1 in the previous round.
Messi's performance was below his generally high standards, and his inability to help his team when they needed him the most was disappointing for fans around the world. The then-Barcelona man was almost invisible in the knockout stages, failing to score a single goal. It was a stark contrast to his performances at the club level, and many argued that Messi wasn't suited to the physicality of international football.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Best Performance - Euro 2016
Euro 2016 marked the first major international trophy in the history of Portuguese football, and their iconic captain was at the heart of it. It was a success that came much to the surprise of everyone, especially considering the fact that Ronaldo and Co. only won one game within 90 minutes - namely their 2-0 semifinal victory against Wales.
That summer, CR7's leadership and skills shone through. He scored two goals in the group stages as Portugal scraped into the knockout rounds, but it was here where their superstar striker shone brightest. Despite not featuring on the scoresheet as often as possible, Ronaldo's newfound immaculate maturity helped his team stay calm under pressure. He broke the deadlock in the semifinals and despite coming off injured in the final against hosts France. his impact on the team was undeniable.
He was seen on the sidelines cheering and motivating his teammates and often helping manager Fernando Santos with his tactical decisions. Portugal ended up winning the game in extra time courtesy of Eder's 30-yard thunderbolt, and Ronaldo lifted the trophy high above his head, shedding tears of joy.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Worst Performance - 2014 FIFA World Cup
The 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil was a tournament where Ronaldo was expected to shine brightly, especially considering his blistering hat trick away against Sweden in the playoffs secured his side's spot in the tournament. He was the captain and talisman once more, but that didn't stop Portugal getting knocked out in the group stages after an opening day 4-0 drubbing at the hands of eventual champions Germany and a 2-2 draw against the United States.
Ronaldo was unable to replicate his club form on the international stage, a fact made even more disappointing because he had just led Real Madrid to the coveted La Decima. His performance was lacklustre, and his body language on the field showed his frustration.