It’s the one question that has gotten soccer fans from all over into heated debates: Who’s the greatest? Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi.
The two are clearly the best soccer players. If one is asked who’s the best in history, three names usually come up: Pelé, Ronaldo and Messi. They’re simply in a class of their own.
As for what they’ve accomplished at their clubs, there are too many league titles and awards to count.
If you want to be a little more specific, Ronaldo and Messi each have won five Ballon d’Or awards to be recognized as the best in the world. So, let’s just say they’re about even on that front.
But as for their accomplishments with their respective national teams, things have taken quite the swing recently.
After the 2014 World Cup, it seemed Messi proved he was the better of the two. The Argentinian led his team to the World Cup finals, and Ronaldo’s Portugal team couldn’t even get out of the group stage. (Thanks again, Ronaldo, for that last goal against Ghana to send the U.S. to the Round of 16. Much appreciated.)
This time around, though, has Ronaldo put this debate to bed? Has he proven he’s the G.O.A.T.?
At the 2016 European Championship, Ronaldo led his team to the final match and faced another international powerhouse in France. Though Ronaldo bowed out because of injury, and he tried several times to stay on the field, Portugal did win its first Euro Championship.
That is one thing Ronaldo has on Messi — a title with the national team.
Messi had that chance during the Copa America Centenario in 2016, which was hosted in the U.S. (Good job U.S. for placing fourth. Wish you were in the World Cup.)
Argentina eliminated the Americans in the semifinals of Copa America for a berth in the finals match but fell to Chile in the final match after penalty kicks.
Fast forward to 2018, and the trend of Ronaldo rising and Messi descending appears to have stayed the course.
Ronaldo and Portugal have all but clinched their place in the Round of 16 following a 3-3 draw with early favorite Spain and a 1-0 win over Morocco. Ronaldo has scored four goals in two matches, three against Spain.
And if you put any stock in his recent goal celebrations, Ronaldo is clearly claiming himself as the G.O.A.T. after stroking his chin following one of his goals against Spain.
As for Argentina, things can’t possibly go worse.
Following a disappointing 1-1 draw against Iceland, a country which a commentator said has as many citizens as does Argentina has registered soccer players, the team fell even further on Thursday when it lost to Croatia in a rout, 3-0.
Depending on how this morning’s match between Iceland and Nigeria shakes out, Argentina could be on the outside looking in and in danger of not advancing out of the group stage.
And in both of Argentina’s matches, Messi hardly made an impact. When Croatia started to pull ahead, Messi looked as if he was already defeated and quickly left the field soon after the final whistle.
With one more round of matches left in the group stages, perhaps Argentina could squeak by and reach the Round of 16 with a win and some help.
But even so, this does not look like a team that was competing for a World Cup just four years ago.
And though Portugal’s time in Brazil during the 2014 World Cup was a disappointment, Ronaldo and Co. have dramatically turned the tide.
So, has Ronaldo proven himself better over Messi? Has he proven himself the greatest of all-time?
Sorry to disappoint, but that cannot possibly be said until both have retired. Only then, we’ll have all the facts and make a sound judgment on the matter.
If I had to pick one player today, then yes, Ronaldo is the better player. Sorry, Messi fans, but how can you argue against that right now?
Could Ronaldo catch Pelé? It would be tough to make an argument against Pelé’s three World Cup trophies.
But, the World Cup is just heating up. Even crazier things could very well happen down the road in Russia.
Until a winner has been crowned, I’d say just enjoy the ride while you can.
Just as the greats before them in any sport, and the greats that will follow them, they won’t be around forever. Enjoy them while they’re still here.
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Nick Celario, sports writer, can be reached at 245-0437 or ncelario@thegardenisland.com.
