Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are widely considered two of the best footballers of all-time and are regularly discussed along with Pele, Diego Maradona, Johan Cruyff and the pantheon of greats to have played the beautiful game. The rivalry between the pair when playing at the top of the game for Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively has dominated the 21st century and debates still rage on about who is number one player on the planet.
Some fans have a favorite while others have simply enjoyed being treated to the pair's supreme talent for more than two decades. So, what do the players who have shared a pitch with Messi and Ronaldo? This article will look at what has been said regarding football's big debate.
Weighing up Who is the Greatest
Messi and Ronaldo are far and away the best players to have graced the pitch during this century, recording greater numbers than the likes of Ronaldinho, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. From the lighting up matches with incredible skill to the sheer amount of goals they have scored and the trophies they have won, the pair have been in a league of their own.
Ronaldo has netted 945 goals for clubs and country while Messi has scored 895 times across his career. The former has won seven league titles, the Champions League five times and Euros while the latter clinched 12 league titles, lifted the Champions League trophy four times and helped Argentina win the World Cup in 2022.
Though the two players no longer compete in domestic football with Messi at Inter Miami and Ronaldo appearing for Al-Nassr, football fans still wager on the two players scoring, according to a report by Erik King recently. Whether you are a seasoned sports bettor or prefer slots and poker, it's a pursuit with looking into as the players continue their rivalry in different continents. Always be sure to compare and assess a range of platforms so that you can find the betting site which will best suit your style, needs and preferences.
What Messi Said...
Messi has always appeared the less vocal of the two players with his backers insisting the Argentinean does his talking on the pitch.
The former Barcelona recently commented on the rivalry with Ronaldo and said during the summer: “I have a lot of respect and admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo and for the career he's had and continues to have, because he's still competing at the highest level. The competition with him was on the pitch. Each of us wanted to do the best for our team."
What Ronaldo Said...
Ronaldo is also hugely respectful of what Messi has achieved and actually believes going head-to-head pushed the players on to achieve individual greatness.
"Messi? The rivalry was healthy. I've never had a bad relationship. On the contrary. We shared the stage at the awards for 15 years and we always got along very well. And I even remember that at one I used to translate what they said in English.
"I translated for him, it was funny. He always treated me well. Obviously, he defended his club, I defended mine; he defended his national team, and I defended mine. I think we did help each other improve.
"I think there were years when he wanted to play everything and score, so did I. It was a healthy fight. I loved playing in the Camp Nou. They booed me, they insulted me and I loved it!
"I will always have Madrid in my heart, it was the team where I was happiest. I have done very important things there, very beautiful things and that is why people do not forget. When you leave a legacy and a mark, people do not forget."
What Di Maria Said...
Angel Di Maria is perhaps on the best people to give a definitive answer on who was the better player having played with Ronaldo at Real Madrid while representing Argentina with compatriot with Messi. There is only one winner as far as Di Maria is concerned.
"One has eight Ballon d'Ors and the other five, that marks a huge difference," he insisted while backing Messi. "Also, being a world champion is something that makes an enormous difference.
"We see it in matches, minute by minute. One tries to do everything to stand out, while the other seems to be enjoying his football."
What Rooney Said...
Wayne Rooney recently caught up with former Manchester United team-mate Rio Ferdinand and the duo played with Ronaldo at Old Trafford. Asked about the Messi vs Ronaldo debate, Rooney insisted: "I love Cristiano and playing with him. I don't think people realise actually how close me and him were. I love him. I think he's an absolute genius and what he's doing is incredible.
"I think just because I've said that I think Messi is better than Ronaldo, people think I don't like Cristiano. I absolutely love Messi, love watching him play and that was the only reason because I think Messi had a little bit more in terms of how he played and taking players on and whatever."
Overall, the debate will rage on for eternity as each generation discovers Messi and Ronaldo and watches two incredible players at the peak of their powers. Football fans right now are fortunate they still get to witness the duo live and as Ferdinand once said: 'Just enjoy them, man.'