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It doesn't look like the comparison between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will ever end. This is because of the amazing abilities that these players possess and the intense competition that exists between them.
The two superstars have been on top of the footballing world for over a decade. They have been the most consistent performers in the universe, creating an amazing duopoly which will go a long way in the history of the sport.
Despite their amazing levels, these legends are never tired of improving their games. They always try to overcome each other in major areas, every season.
This season, the Portuguese international has gotten the edge over his Argentine rival with some brilliant statistics. Let us quickly take a look at 5 major areas he has been unmatchable this term.
#5 Penalty kicks
Ronaldo has perfected so many skill sets. Scoring amazing penalty kicks during vital moments is one of his incredible abilities. This season, he has proven himself to be the best man to score from 10 yards with his fantastic efforts.
While Messi has been suffering to impress with penalty kicks recently, the Portuguese has been consistently scoring his spot kicks. This season, the Real Madrid winger has been amazing.
He has scored 6 times from 7 attempts, losing only one to Roberto Gimenez, when Real Madrid played against Malaga in November 2017.
On the other hand, Leo has faced a nightmare this season. He has scored just 3 times from 6 attempts. This is why some people call the Portuguese superstar Penaldo.
All stats via whoscored
#4 Goal ratio
It is quite undeniable that Messi and Ronaldo are both great goalscorers. But if you take a deeper look at their statistics this season, you will discover that the Portuguese attacker has overtaken his eternal rival with an amazing goal ratio.
After a slow start to the season, the Real Madrid winger has come back to his peak, scoring amazing goals and moving his team forward.
So far, he has scored 14 goals in 9 UEFA Champions League appearances, with a goal ratio of 1.6 goal(s) per game. In La Liga, the Portuguese has scored 23 goals in 24 appearances, managing an average ratio of 1 goal per game.
Also read: 6 Things that only Cristiano Ronaldo has done this season
Lionel Messi has scored 29 goals in 30 appearances in the Spanish top flight, as well as 6 goals in the Champions League, averaging 1 and 0.7 goal(s) per game respectively.
However, it is the Portuguese superstar who wins the race for the best goal ratio, with a combined tally of 2.6 to Messi's 1.7.
#3 Performances in the Champions League
Everyone knows what Cristiano does in the UEFA Champions League. The Portuguese is without doubt the greatest player in the history of the tournament. He has proven that he remains the man for the job, with his blistering performances in the competition this season.
Despite his slow start in La Liga, the winger has been the most consistent player in Europe so far. His excellent displays have placed him ahead of every player in the competition. No one has matched his incredible statistics in the tournament this term, not even Lionel Messi.
Also Read: 5 things that Lionel Messi currently does better than Cristiano Ronaldo
The former Manchester United winger is having one of his greatest European campaigns so far, scoring in all of his group stage matches as well as the knockout stages.
He became the first player to score in 10 straight matches in the competition and currently leads the goal chart with 14 goals to his name.
Messi on the other hand has found it difficult to reach that level. He has only managed to score 6 goals in the tournament this year.
#2 Aerial strength
It is true that many people liken Cristiano Ronaldo to a machine. This is because of his amazing completeness and superb body structure. The Portuguese is one of the most-complete players to ever play the game.
This season, he has used his amazing advantage to overtake his South American rival in several areas, including the air. His aerial contributions this term are far above that of the Argentine.
The Portuguese has scored 2 headers in the UEFA Champions League and 4 in La Liga. Whereas, the Barcelona playmaker is yet to score a single goal with his head during the campaign.
To add to that, Ronaldo has won 31 aerial duels in La Liga and 11 in the Champions League while Leo has recorded just 5 in the Spanish top division and just 1 in Europe.
#1 Defensive contribution
The two attackers may have both been impressive going forward, but when it comes to their contributions in defense, it is the Portuguese superstar who has gotten the edge this season. He has recorded some amazing defensive stats that are quite superior to those of his counterpart.
This season, the Real Madrid talisman has blocked 3 shots in La Liga and 2 in the UEFA Champions League while his compatriot has blocked only 1 shot in La Liga.
Moreover, CR7 has 17 clearances to his name while Leo is yet to make a single clearance in all competitions this season.
Finally, the Portugal international has made 2 interceptions in the Champions League and 6 in the Spanish top flight. But, Messi has managed just 5 interceptions in the Spanish league and only 1 in Europe.
