Messi vs Ronaldo: we have been debating on this topic since these two legends came into the world of football. Who is a better goal scorer? Who is more skillful? Also, Who has a better passing? Who is a team player?
Before coming to the topic, let’s admit that after 18 years of rivalry this is going to be their last World Cup. And as a football fan, I know how painful it is. We have our preferences, we have our choice of watching football, we support clubs, we support teams.
But, if you are a true football enthusiast, then you know better than what these two legends have given to football. The era of these two players started in 2003, and this is not done yet. There is so much to achieve – WORLD CUP.
Messi vs Ronaldo: World Cup 2006
The year 2006, Ronaldo signed for Manchester United and made the transfer record. Both Portugal and Argentina were favorites of the 2006 World Cup. Ronaldo was a full-time left winger of the Portugal squad, whereas Messi was a super sub on the other hand. Ronaldo was able to secure only one goal in 6 appearances, and Messi had 1 goal and 1 assist in 3 appearances.
Portugal entered the semi-finals, where they lost against France by 1-0. And Argentina was eliminated by Germany in the quarter-finals. Both teams ended with a score of 1-1, and then in the penalty shootout, Argentina lost by 4-2. Later, Portugal played the third-place match, and Germany beat them by 3-1.
Messi vs Ronaldo: World Cup 2010
In 2006, they both were amateurs, but this time they had a lot of experience. And also, they had the responsibility on their shoulder to win the World Cup. Messi was unable to score a goal in a total of 5 appearances, but he had one assist. On the other hand, Ronaldo secured 1 goal and 1 assist in four appearances.
Portugal lost to the later champions Spain in the Round of 16, and their World Cup journey ended early. Though Argentina made it to the quarter-finals, they lost by 4-0 against Germany. Another year, they both faced disappointment.
Messi vs Ronaldo: World Cup 2014
This was the year when one team was a little far away from achieving success, and the other team couldn’t make it to the next round. Portugal started their journey with a 4-0 loss to Germany, and they didn’t qualify for the round of 16. Ronaldo had 1 goal and one assist in three appearances.
On the other hand, Argentina was about to lift their third World Cup, but a single goal by Mario Gotze snatched their dream. Messi played a total of seven games, and scored four goals, and he had one assist too. This was the year when Argentina played their best World Cup under Messi.
Messi vs Ronaldo: World Cup 2018
Last time, both Messi and Ronaldo were again unable to secure a nice spot in the world Cup. Both teams got eliminated in the round of 16. Argentina lost to France by 4-3, and Portugal lost to Uruguay by 2-1. Portugal was again unsuccessful, but Argentina was the runners-up last year, so Messi had to face criticism.
Both Messi and Ronaldo had four appearances. Ronaldo started the journey with a hat trick against Spain but ended with only four goals and zero assists. On the other hand, Messi had one goal and two assists.
Messi vs Ronaldo: World Cup 2022?
So, what will happen this year? Will Messi lift the trophy or Ronaldo? Or there will be a different team, or it may be an underdog like Denmark. Who knows?
But we can compare these two teams.
Argentina Squad and Messi
Before starting, Argentina has 36 games unbeaten before participating in the World Cup. So, you can imagine that they have firepower. Coming to the Goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez is one of the most aggressive keepers right now. He plays for Aston Villa. Last time, he was able to save three penalties.
Coming to the defense, both Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez are strong, fast, and aggressive. I hope this combination will start. If I talk about experience, then there is Nicolas Otamendi and Nicolas Tagliafico. Also, there are young players like Molina and Foyth.
In the midfield area, they have Rodrigo De Paul, and he is able to defend and attack. There are also other important players like Acuna, Parades, and Palacios. The midfield is the perfect combination of experience and speed.
And the best part, MESSI, they have the best player in the world in their forward lineup. Whether it is about scoring goals or finding a player inside the box who can score, Messi is good at both. Also, there is Di Maria, who is great at skills, scoring, and crossing. Next, Dybala is a perfect forward who is versatile to play in many positions.
And last but not least, Julian Alvarez, Thiago Almada, and Lautaro Martinez. All these players are capable of many things that the football world hasn’t seen yet. There is only one thing that these youngsters lack, and that is experience. So, Messi has to take care of that.
Portugal Squad and Ronaldo
Portugal has the best squad since 2006, and they are currently in the 9th spot in the Men’s FIFA ranking. They have experienced Rui Patricio and one of the best, Diogo Costa, to save the goal. Both players have been doing great as goalkeepers. Two days ago, Rui Patricio was able to secure a clean sheet against Nigeria, and he made a penalty save too.
Pepe, yes, Pepe, he has been representing Portugal National Squad for almost 15 years. He has the responsibility to guard the defense wall again. But this time there are other big names also, Ruben Dias, a Manchester City player who is doing great. We will see Danilo Pereira as well, and there are other talents like Joao Cancelo and Raphael Guerreiro. The squad has a depth in the side back, as Diego Dalot and Nuno Mendes are there.
In the midfield, they have both experienced and skillful players like Bruno Fernandes, Bernando Silva, Otavio, Ruben Neves, Joao Mario, and William Carvalho. Portugal’s team has players who can take 1v1, players who can destroy the defense line, and players who can hold the midfield. So, there is no doubt that the midfield is quite strong too.
Before coming to Ronaldo, let’s look at the other players who will definitely amaze us. First of all, there is Joao Felix, a young talent who is famous for his speed and dribbles. If he can enter the 18-yard box, then a goal is confirmed. Also, there are other players like Rafael Leao, Andre Silva, and Ricardo Horta as well.
But, despite having this compact squad, all eyes will be on the 37-year-old footballer Cristiano Ronaldo. For the last few matches, he has been unable to show his form, but there is no doubt that he can single-handedly destroy any team. Let’s see what he will show us in his last World Cup.
To Conclude
So, who is better Messi or Ronaldo…there is no possible way to decide who is better than whom. Both are successful in their career, and we can only see excellent statistics. But how they will play in the World Cup depends on the team they are playing with and against. Let’s see who will smile at the end.
Thank You.
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