Ronaldo Vs Messi Debate

THE RONALDO VS. MESSI DEBATE: WHEN WILL IT BE OVER?

The Ronaldo - Messi debate appears never-ending. Two of the greatest to ever play the game, all the accolades, all the special moments but zero World Cups between the two. It appears that this may be the ultimate decider between the two legends. Unable to decide amongst them and in an era in which top football clubs are infused with so much cash that competition is limited to only an upper echelon of almost trillion dollar clubs, these two would find it hard to be split apart. The fact is that the World Cup has maintained almost the same format for nearly a century, it is the great equalizer. Nations selecting out of their best lot to represent all of the passion, love, and spirit so present in their countries for the sport. It's a time when pride comes to the fore. If a player is unable to do it for his country, then who can he do it for? Ronaldo and Messi still have a final chance in 2022 Qatar, still nearing the peak of their powers to pull off a 'great separation' of a performance.

MESSI'S BAD YEARS

Leo, so long considered the better of the two, has found himself in a recent downward spiral. Troubles at the helm of his club Barcelona, and with his team in a mid-table slump it appears Leo can't see his way. He's struggling to such a degree that it has become clear to most observers that a player of his calibre and with a legacy to protect can no longer be able to take such mediocre performance. With the Barcelona core of Xavi, Iniesta, and the tiki-taka generation now essentially gone, it appears that Barcelona didn't spend enough time planning well for the future. Much of their talent was squandered out in loans and premature sales to other top-notch clubs (like Bayern) who put them to great use.

RONALDO'S SECOND WIND

Even though its still clear that Messi has been the most individually accomplished of the two, Ronaldo's team accolades, its share volume, and his consistent high level of performances see him developing an argument that would place him in a special place - not to mention the fact that he was able to secure a European Cup for his nation - with Messi failing twice in the finals of South America's comparative competition the Copa America. Ronaldo has dominated all throughout the European continent. He's three-peated on Europe's highest level - the Champions League, and for those who wish to take anything away from him by lauding the efforts of his coach (the legend Zinedine Zidane), the fact is that Messi had Guardiola for a lengthy spell and dominated, but never went back to back in winning European Championships. Ronaldo's on his last legs though, his style of play is much too athletic to last into his late thirties, but his share presence on a field is bound to strike fear in the hearts of defenses for some time longer.

MESSI'S TRUMP CARD

A reunion between Messi and Pep Guardiola seems in the works if Leo's team can get their business together. A Messi transfer to Manchester City would certainly change things. They play the style that Messi has thrived in since his rise to the pinnacle of world football. Pep Guardiola is bound to create an environment where the stars of Manchester City play to support Messi. A Messi move to Guardiola's Man City may do good for the legacies of both. A career ending Champions league or two would certainly not harm Messi's legacy as the most talented of his generation.

THE BEAUTY OF FOOTBALL

For all the back and forth over the last decade, it's clear that we've witnessed a unique time in history. Advocates of Maradonna and Pele's greatness respectively bemoan the fact that the two never played together or competed in the same era. We've witnessed both Messi and Ronaldo go head to head frequently at their peaks. It's been an awesome sight to behold. It's possible we may be in for a couple more of those great moments.

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