The rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi has been one of the much talked about elements in the world of football over the last decade.
The rivalry has especially grown in recent years as the two players have become more successful. There is a suggestion that Ronaldo does not like Messi very much and that the Argentine is quite the opposite. Ronaldo has always split the fans in terms of popularity, as many believe that he is quite arrogant. Once again, the opposite has been regarded as character of Messi.
The Argentine has won the FIFA Ballon d’Or award, which is widely regarded as the standard on which players are ranked, an incredible five times in his career and it is the current world record. Ronaldo is probably the only player who can hope to beat this achievement as he has three titles so far.
The Real Madrid superstar is the overwhelming favourite to win the upcoming award which will be given in January. After having won the Champions League with Madrid, Ronaldo went on to lift the Euro 2016 – for the first time in his career – with Portugal.
Thus, Ronaldo has become successful at club and international level while the same cannot be said of Messi. The Argentine has ended up as the runners up in three consecutive finals over the last three years. “There is a big mutual respect between myself and Lionel Messi. The media like to make out like we have this big rivalry, but we don’t. It is not like we are good friends, but there is a mutual respect on both sides. My biggest inspiration has always been myself; nobody puts bigger demands on me than me,” said Ronaldo. After an injury hit start, Ronaldo already trails Messi by several goals in the La Liga this season.