Discover the undeniable reasons Why Messi Better Than Ronaldo in the world of football. Explore their stats, playing styles, and more in our in-depth analysis.
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Why Messi Better Than Ronaldo
The perennial debate surrounding Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo has raged on for over a decade. Soccer fans worldwide have passionately argued about who is the greatest footballer of all time. Both Messi and Ronaldo have achieved remarkable success and have consistently pushed the boundaries of individual and team achievements. While opinions on this topic vary greatly, this article will focus on the top 10 reasons why many argue that Lionel Messi is better than Cristiano Ronaldo. We will explore their playing styles, records, and impact on the game of football, accompanied by tables for a more comprehensive comparison.
Career Statistics
| Player | Goals | Assists | Trophies | Ballon d’Or |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | 760 | 315 | 34 | 7 |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | 805 | 170 | 36 | 5 |
Consistency in Performance
Lionel Messi has consistently delivered exceptional performances year after year. The table above illustrates this consistency in terms of goals and assists. While both players have scored a staggering number of goals, Messi has more assists, showcasing his ability to create opportunities for his teammates. This consistency extends to Messi’s ability to win trophies as well, where he edges out Ronaldo.
Dribbling Ability
Messi’s dribbling skills are unparalleled. His low center of gravity, close ball control, and quick changes of direction have left defenders bewildered for years. He often dribbles past multiple defenders, making it seem effortless. This unique ability to dribble is highlighted in the table below.
Dribbling Statistics
| Player | Successful Dribbles | Successful Dribbles/90min |
|---|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | 4370 | 7.06 |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | 2564 | 4.01 |
Playmaking
Messi’s playmaking ability is another aspect of his game that sets him apart. As indicated in Table 1, he has more assists than Ronaldo, emphasizing his role in creating opportunities for his teammates. His vision, precision passing, and ability to read the game make him not just a goal scorer but also a creative force on the field.
Versatility
Messi’s versatility is a key reason for his superiority. He has played in multiple positions across the forward line, from a traditional winger to a central playmaker. This versatility has allowed him to adapt to different tactical systems, making him an asset to various coaches.
Positions Played
| Player | Right Wing | Center Forward | Left Wing | Attacking Midfield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | 136 | 570 | 221 | 29 |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | 134 | 548 | 301 | 16 |
Balance and Ball Control
Messi’s ability to maintain balance even in the most challenging situations is astonishing. His close ball control, combined with his agility, allows him to navigate through tight spaces and emerge with the ball. The table below illustrates Messi’s superior balance compared to Ronaldo.
Successful Nutmegs
| Player | Successful Nutmegs |
|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | 306 |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | 165 |
Consistency in National Team Performance
Another aspect where Messi has been deemed better than Ronaldo is his consistency with the national team. While both players have been prolific at the club level, Messi’s performances for Argentina have been consistently impressive. The table below compares their national team statistics.
National Team Statistics
| Player | Goals (National Team) | Assists (National Team) | International Trophies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | 79 | 47 | 1 (Copa America 2021) |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | 115 | 31 | 1 (UEFA European Championship 2016) |
Ballon d’Or Titles
Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d’Or seven times, which is more than any other player in the history of the award. This demonstrates the recognition of his consistent brilliance by football experts and journalists worldwide. In contrast, Ronaldo has won it five times. The table in the introduction provides a quick comparison of their Ballon d’Or achievements.
Impact on Teammates
Messi’s ability to elevate the performance of his teammates is widely acknowledged. His presence on the field inspires his fellow players, and his playmaking skills create numerous goal-scoring opportunities. The following table illustrates Messi’s influence on his teammates by comparing their goal contributions while playing together.
Teammates’ Performance
| Player | Goals Assisted by Messi | Goals Assisted by Ronaldo |
|---|---|---|
| Neymar | 27 | 27 |
| Xavi | 28 | 23 |
| Andres Iniesta | 27 | 14 |
| Karim Benzema | 8 | 37 |
Consistency at the Top Level
Messi’s remarkable consistency is evident from his incredible goal-scoring record season after season. He has set numerous records for the most goals in a calendar year, the most goals in a single season, and more. This consistency has been a hallmark of Messi’s career, as illustrated in Table 1.
Sportsmanship and Leadership
Messi’s exemplary sportsmanship and leadership qualities are widely praised. He leads by example on and off the pitch, demonstrating humility and respect for the game and his opponents. His behavior and attitude set a positive example for young players and fans alike.
some lesser-known facts about each of them:
Lionel Messi:
- Medical Growth Hormone Treatment: Messi faced a growth hormone deficiency as a child, which led to his relatively small stature. His parents couldn’t afford the treatment, and it was Barcelona who eventually offered to pay for Messi’s medical bills, including his growth hormone treatment.
- First Contract on a Napkin: Messi’s first contract with Barcelona was famously signed on a napkin. The story goes that, due to his humble background, Barcelona wanted to make sure Messi’s commitment was legally binding even without a formal contract.
- Scoring Record with a Hangover: Messi once scored a hat-trick against Real Madrid in 2014 while allegedly suffering from a hangover. The story, though not confirmed by Messi, adds a touch of legendary status to his on-field achievements.
Cristiano Ronaldo:
- Ronaldo’s Fastest Goal: In 2014, Ronaldo scored one of the fastest goals in Real Madrid’s history. He found the net just 3.7 seconds into a match against Real Valladolid, showcasing his incredible speed and goal-scoring prowess.
- Career Start at Sporting Lisbon: Before joining Manchester United, Ronaldo played for Sporting Lisbon in Portugal. In a pre-season friendly between Sporting Lisbon and Manchester United, Ronaldo’s performance impressed the United players so much that they urged their manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, to sign him.
- Father’s Influence: Ronaldo’s father passed away when he was just 20 years old. It’s known that Ronaldo considers his father as a major influence on his career, and he has often dedicated his achievements to his memory.
Conclusion
While the debate over who is better between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo is subjective and depends on personal preferences, the evidence presented in this article supports the argument that Messi has certain advantages. His consistency, dribbling ability, playmaking skills, versatility, balance, and impact on his teammates set him apart. Additionally, his success with the national team, Ballon d’Or titles, and sportsmanship further contribute to the argument for Messi’s superiority.
It’s important to remember that both Messi and Ronaldo have left an indelible mark on the world of football and have provided fans with countless moments of brilliance. Ultimately, the debate should be a celebration of their unique talents and contributions to the beautiful game.
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Originally posted 2023-10-19 11:34:14.
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