Messi v Cristiano

[King Pietersen]

Both immense footballers, but I'd want Ronaldo in my team. He's a dream footballer. Tall, strong, powerful, hits it with both feet, good in the air, superb at set pieces, ridiculously fit, he's such an immense athlete. Not taking anything away from Messi, as he is one of the most technically gifted footballers to ever play the game, but for me, Ronaldo is a more well-rounded player.

 

[sledger]

Ronaldo is probably a superior athlete per se imo. Imagine he'd be fairly decent at most sports given the appropriate training etc...

 

[Pothas]

I don't really understand the Ronaldo being more 'well-rounded' thing, what do people actually mean by this?

 

[grecian]

I don't really understand the Ronaldo being more 'well-rounded' thing, what do people actually mean by this?

I think it's his physical play, I do have to say it's kind of what puts him just ahead for me. You feel if he didn't have the talent he could probably still make a career as an old-fashioned centre-forward. His heading of the ball is brilliant. It's a physicality which I don't think Messi can match.

Lionel probably more skilful though.

 

[Pothas]

The being more physical thing I understand but I don't think it really make him more 'well-rounded' Messi could easily play as a striker, a winger or a number 10, he would probably make a very good central midfield player as well.

Ronaldo is ridiculous and he has been the best player this year but I still think Messi at his best is significantly better.

 

[flibbertyjibber]

I don't really understand the Ronaldo being more 'well-rounded' thing, what do people actually mean by this?

The other Ronaldo was well rounded not sure about the Portugese one though.

 

[Furball]

The other Ronaldo would have been the greatest of all time were it not for his knees falling apart.

 

[grecian]

The other Ronaldo would have been the greatest of all time were it not for his knees falling apart.

Dalglish was better to be fair.

The other bloke in the pic really did have only one foot (and a hand, never forget), was quite good though.

 

[Jono]

Ronaldo is the best sportsman in his country, whereas Messi isn't.

Juan Del Potro beats Lionel Messi to Argentina?s Sportsman of the Year gong

Adding nothing useful to soccer threads as always

 

[GIMH]

Ronaldo is the best sportsman in his country, whereas Messi isn't.

Juan Del Potro beats Lionel Messi to Argentina?s Sportsman of the Year gong

Adding nothing useful to threads as always

.

 

[Jono]

Yeah well played.

 

[sledger]

I can imagine Jono right now, waving his filthy fat little hands in the air, shouting "go GIMH go!".

 

[Riggins]

Could actually see him leading the line, which one really couldn't imagine Messi doing.

what does this mean?

 

[Energetic]

Ronaldo. He is actually more all-round in terms of ability than Messi. Both are no doubt the best attacking players in the world.

 

[Furball]

Ronaldo. He is actually more all-round in terms of ability than Messi. Both are no doubt the best attacking players in the world.

What is this based on?

 

[OverratedSanity]

Ronaldo. He is actually more all-round in terms of ability than Messi. Both are no doubt the best attacking players in the world.

I don't know why all round ability matters all that much. Messi isn't quite as two footed as Ronaldo, isn't as good off dead balls, long range but still has managed to win more games on his own, produce big moments in big games than Ronaldo (who himself is absolutely no slouch there). So it doesn't really matter that Ronaldo is better off free kicks, headers, etc. Messi has generally produced better results and lifts his team unlike any player I've seen

 

[Tom Halsey]

Yeah I think Ronaldo is the more "complete" player but Messi is the better player.

 

[grecian]

I think it's safe to say Nichols will score the best goal of the Festive period

 

[irfan]

Messi, but the gap is closing.

Better at:
- Dribbling
- Changing direction with the ball at pace
- Conversion Rate
- Assists
- Build-up Play involvement
- Through Balls
- Lob shots
- Free kicks (Ronaldo more spectacular, Messi more consistent)

Ronaldo's better at
- Heading
- All-round athleticism
- Two feet
- Long-distance shots
- Power shots
- National team (the WC will be the biggest test for both)
- Versatility (positionally and success in two domestic leagues)

 

[Ray.]

Ronaldo by far. Ronaldo is a proven goal scorer in Premier League which is the most demanding league and he has scored against Petr Cech.
Ronaldo's free kicks are jizzling and his headers are too good.