The most universal topic of debate in the contemporary football world is about who the better footballer is between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Sport thrives on rivalries, and it is this one between the spearheads of Barcelona and Real Madrid that has defined the last decade in footballing circles.Also read : Why Lionel Messi's salary is thoroughly well-earned and completely justifiedWhen the inevitable question was once posed to Ronaldo himself, he had said, “You cannot compare a Ferrari with a Porsche because it's a different engine. You cannot compare them. He does the best things for Barcelona, I do the best things for Madrid.”Whatever the man may say, we will make a comparison anyway. Messi exerts more influence on a match, playing more around the centre of the pitch than Ronaldo and bringing in more of his team-mates into attacks. Ronaldo is more comfortable taking solo runs on the wide sides, and he is much better as a finisher than the Argentine. Ronaldo is more athletic of the two and is visibly more professional about taking care of himself. Messi’s balance is second to none, but because of his small size he can be knocked off the ball by more imposing opponents. He, however, seldom executes touches that are cute but ineffectual, something Ronaldo is guilty of sometimes.But the above are all subjective comparisons.

Ronaldo rules the world cup

Details/ Player Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo

Date of birth 24 June 1987 5 February 1985

Height 1.69 m (5 ft 7 in) 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in)

Weight 67 kg (148 lbs) 84 kg (186 lbs)

Matches 693 847

Total Goals Scored 556 589

Club Appearances 576 709

Club Goals 498 518

International Appearances 117 138

International Goals 58 71