Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are two of the greatest footballers of all time. The fact that the two co-exist in the same time period probably helped both of them reach all new heights in terms of their professional footballing career. This stat just about highlights their utter dominance in the past decade - 9 of the last 9 Ballon d’Ors have gone to one or the other. This in itself speaks volumes of how much they have bossed the world stage.
In this light-hearted article, we take a look at some of the best photographs of the two greats – neither do we intend to slate one particular player, nor unduly praise the other. Without further ado then, fifteen of the best photographs that have captured the essence of the Ronaldo-Messi era defining rivalry.
Please note, these are in no particular order. Our intention is merely to attempt and translate the joy these two give us in portrait form.
Their commitment to the national cause (esp. Messi) is often questioned, but both these players play their heart when in their national colours. Both Portugal and Argentina are immensely lucky to have them.
Some of their best pictures, though, have come outside the field of play – where their respect for each other is there for everyone to see.
Their rivalry is underpinned by a mutual respect that certain sections of their fanatic supporters would do well to learn from.
