Image: Ronaldo in 2022 (Wikimedia Commons), and Messi in 2022 (Wikimedia Commons)
Over 1643 goals, 593 assists, 2193 appearances for club and country, an achievement shared between these two great players should leave anyone to conclude that the Messi/Ronaldo rivalry is undoubtedly the greatest event in football history.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have captivated fans across the globe with their edge-of-the-seat performances for both clubs and country. While it is easy for fans to assert a sort of triumphalism over their achievement due to either of them edging the other out in different stats, such a notion of triumphalism is hardly noticed between the duo as each person sees the other as a source of motivation to continually improve.
Arriving almost at the same time on the football stage, the greater part of the trophy wins was dominated by these two players. Their incredible ability to score goals and turn games on their heads was something that kept tongues wagging, pundits analyzing, fans baring fangs, and the press corps lapping up interview opportunities. They practically ruled the footballing world for more than a decade.
With Messi and Ronaldo pushing each other to unprecedented heights, it is hard to see any other football duo fill up the gaps of these legends.
World best awards were practically shared between the duo. As Ronaldo pointed out during grabbed the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year award in 2019 “we shared the stage for 15 years, me and him. I don’t know if it’s ever happened in football, the same two guys on the same stage all the time. It’s not easy, and of course, we have a good relationship. We’ve not had dinner together yet, but I hope in the future. We had that battle for the last 15 years. He pushed me and I pushed him as well so it’s good to be part of the history of football. I’m there and of course he’s there.”
Ronaldo and Messi. Portugal vs. Argentina, 9th February 2011 Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Messi and Ronaldo rivalry is now slowly coming to a close, as the duo has moved on to different leagues that would unlikely see them cross paths except through friendlies or world cup competitions. With Ronaldo turning 38 and his counterpart turning 35, it can be said that they are not in their prime years even though fans would still willingly pay a fortune to watch them play.
It has been a fulfilling journey watching both players dominate the football arena for the better part of the last decade. The legacy and joy they have brought to the hearts of their fans and lovers of football is one that will stand the test of time, and never be forgotten.
Years after they have called it quit from the beautiful game they love, many of their fans will undoubtedly be stuck watching reels upon reels of their greatest moments and experience the nostalgic feelings that come with such memories.
Nevertheless, their legacy will always be remembered amongst the greats and will continue to inspire a new generation of footballers and fans, who will carry on their legacy of excellence and incredible achievements.
Okechukwu Nzeribe works with the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, in Anambra State, Nigeria, and loves unveiling the richness of African cultures.
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