7 Reasons Why Cristiano Ronaldo Is Better Than Lionel Messi

Cristiano Ronaldo is now embarking on a new adventure with Juventus
Cristiano Ronaldo is now embarking on a new adventure with Juventus

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are playing in different leagues for the first time in nearly a decade. Despite this, comparisons between the pair continue, and we face the prospect of the two facing off once more in the UEFA Champions League knockout stage in 2019. In honor of Cristiano Ronaldo's famous number, this list will present seven reasons why the Portuguese star is better than Messi. Let's get straight into it.


#7 World's Best Goalscorer

Ronaldo is no stranger to the spectacular
Ronaldo is no stranger to the spectacular

Messi and Ronaldo have the two best goalscoring records in Europe, however, the Juventus forward just edges out the Argentine. The 33-year-old has posted a better goalscoring rate in four of the last 5 seasons, and during his 9 year period in Spain, Ronaldo incredibly scored 450 goals in just 438 appearances.

The Portuguese forward also scores a larger variety of goals. Ronaldo often scores incredible volleys and acrobatic efforts, in addition to powerful long-range drives. If there is one player in world football that goalkeepers do not want bearing down on them, it is Cristiano Ronaldo.


#6 Proven In Multiple Leagues

Ronaldo will likely finish his career with league titles from England, Spain, and Italy
Ronaldo will likely finish his career with league titles from England, Spain, and Italy

This is not a criticism against Lionel Messi staying loyal to Barcelona, however, Ronaldo's travels across Europe have only strengthened his argument at being the best on the planet. The Portuguese star was the best player in England by the age of 22, and after a few years in Spain, he soon edged out Messi to establish himself as the best in La Liga. He has won every personal accolade in both divisions, in addition to every domestic trophy available. CR7 is considered a legend at both Manchester United and Real Madrid, and it is likely he will be held in the same regard at Juventus by the time he exits the club.


#5 Risk Taker

Ronaldo opted for a new challenge this summer
Ronaldo opted for a new challenge this summer

On the back of three consecutive Champions League titles, Ronaldo decided at the age of 33 to test himself in a new league. This was an incredible decision that showed how much self-belief the Portuguese star possesses, as he now wants to help transform Juventus into the world's best team. Staying at Madrid would have provided him with the perfect platform to win more European trophies, but unlike Messi, Ronaldo is willing to take a risk in order to further his career and legacy.

#4 Complete Player

Valencia v Juventus - UEFA Champions League Group H
Ronaldo's skillset has no clear weaknesses

To put it simply, Cristiano Ronaldo is the most complete player the world has ever seen. Physically, the Portuguese forward is blessed with strength, power, and pace. His technical ability is also phenomenal, as Ronaldo excels at heading, finishing, dribbling and even creating chances for others.

When compared to Messi, the 33-year-old exceeds the Argentine in every area due to his physical advantage. Ronaldo has a clear weight and height advantage over Messi's small build, and this has also allowed Ronaldo to be deadly in the air, an area that Messi is lacking. Even when you compare the two players speed and dribbling, Ronaldo always comes off more impressive due to the huge power and strength advantage that he holds over the Barcelona star.

#3 International Success

Uruguay v Portugal: Round of 16 - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
Ronaldo won EURO 2016 with his country

It is important that Cristiano Ronaldo has won silverware with Portugal, however even more impressive is the fact that the forward has always performed to his maximum capability while on international duty. In comparison, Messi has a great scoring record for Argentina, however, his performances have often failed to match the ones that he provides for Barcelona.

Ronaldo has also never turned his back on his national team, unlike Messi who has on more than one occasion. In terms of his failure to win a trophy with Argentina, the Barcelona star has been offered excuses for years, as players around him often get the blame. In Russia, he had teammates such as Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, Paulo Dybala, and Nicolás Otamendi. In comparison, Ronaldo managed to win the Euros with a team that contained players such as Bruno Alves, Eder, and Jose Fonte.

#2 Big Game Performances

Image result for ronaldo champions league final penalty
This penalty kick won Madrid the Champions League

CR7 always produces his best on the biggest stage. He not only holds the record for the most Champions League final wins (5), he also holds the record of scoring in the most finals (3). The forward most famously held his nerve to score the winning penalty in 2016, against fierce rivals Atletico Madrid. Ronaldo has also managed to score at least 10 goals in every Champions League season dating back to 2011/12, and these goals are often scored during key moments of the knockout stages.

Ronaldo's role in Portugal's Euro 2016 win is also worth noting. His country was on the brink of elimination in the group stages until the forward equalised twice with two brilliant goals. During Portugal's run to the final, Cristiano scored an important penalty shootout goal versus Poland, and he also scored and assisted in the semifinal against Wales. Even after being injured early on in the final, Ronaldo returned to the touchline and served as the motivation for his team to win. He is the ultimate player for the big occasions.

#1 Building a Legacy

Image result for ronaldo museum
Off-field activities will help cement Ronaldo's legacy as the best of his generation

As well as being the best on the pitch, Ronaldo has made a series of moves off the pitch that may ultimately help him be remembered as the best of all time. He has funded his own museum that is located in Portugal, and the exhibits allude to just how incredible his career has been. The Portuguese star was also involved in his self-titled documentary that provided further insight into his incredible life.

The Juventus star is also known for his generosity off the field, which resulted in Ronaldo being titled as the world's most charitable sportsman in 2015. His career path may even eventually see him follow LeBron James into movies, as he recently revealed that he wanted to work in Hollywood upon his retirement.

Ronaldo's on-field accomplishments speak for themselves, but his conduct off the field has further strengthened his rightful claim that he is currently the best in the world. Both on the field and off the field Ronaldo will now chase his final footballing goal, to become widely known as the greatest footballer of all time.

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Edited by Victor R. Lopez M.