Cristiano Ronaldo’s Juventus, Man Utd and Real Madrid career draws Lionel Messi battle
CRISTIANO RONALDO and Lionel Messi continue to be compared. And, because of his spells at Juventus, Real Madrid and Manchester United, it is the Portugal international who deserves greater recognition.
Cristiano Ronaldo 'worked harder’ than Messi says pundit
Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi arguments have arisen over the last week with both men continuing to blossom at Juventus and Barcelona respectively.
Last week, with his side facing Champions League elimination, Ronaldo rose to the fore to fire Juventus into the last eight of the competition they want the most.
Lionel Messi, meanwhile, has blitzed five goals from his last two outings. Sunday’s showing against Real Betis was something else entirely, a performance of magic and menace in equal measure.
So, inevitably, are comparisons. Some will back Ronaldo, and others Messi. The truth is - both men are the greatest of all time.
When it comes to goals, and assists, Messi is the undisputed king.
The Barcelona star is a phenomenon. A blend of Diego Maradona, Pele and the Brazilian Ronaldo.
Many, rightly, recognise his brilliance. But, too often, they ignore Ronaldo. He is seen as second-rate, despite his own qualities.
Ronaldo should be recognised alongside Messi, rather than rated behind his Barcelona rival - as has often been the case.
Messi is liked because he comes across as mellow, quiet. One to let his football do the talking.
It appears Ronaldo’s tendency to mock has held him back. There have been examples of the Portugal forward winding up opponents over the years. He even aggravated Atletico Madrid supporters just last week.
Cristiano Ronaldo's career at Juventus, Man Utd and Real Madrid makes him as worthy as Lionel Messi (Image: GETTY)
Cristiano Ronaldo has dominated at Man Utd, Real Madrid and now Juventus (Image: GETTY)
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But his career so far means he deserves to be mentioned in the same breath. Forget comparing - they are neck and neck.
Ronaldo won the lot at Manchester United and left at the age of 24.
That spell saw him win three Premier League crowns, as well as the Champions League in 2008. He had conquered the most difficult of leagues at a young age.
Then he went to Real Madrid.
Initially, there were teething problems. He was scoring, but not against the big teams. Instead, it was Messi’s Barcelona who were dominating.
By the time he left last summer, however, that had all changed.