What’s the story?
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated world football in the last few years, but according to reports from Spanish Daily Don Balon, Barcelona superstar Messi thinks that his great rivals powers are on the wane this season.
The Portuguese superstar is 32 now and although Messi thinks that Ronaldo is one of the best finishers in world football at the moment, he does not think that the Madrid forward is as complete a player as himself, Eden Hazard, Paulo Dybala or Neymar.
Also read: There's only one Messi – Dybala plays down comparisons
In case you didn’t know...
Ronaldo and Messi have dominated world football and they have shared the Ballon d'Or award between themselves ever since 2009 with Ronaldo winning the prestigious award 4 times while Lionel Messi has claimed the award 5 times so far.
While they may not be the best friends on the pitch, there is evident mutual respect between Ronaldo and Messi with both being cordial with each other off the pitch.
The heart of the matter
Cristiano Ronaldo has had a stunning season once again this year, but there have been some sections of the media which have criticised his performances this year. The 32-year-old has not been at his best for a few matches and many believe that the Portuguese phenomenon is on the decline.
However, Ronaldo loves to answer his critics on the football pitch and the Real Madrid star once again showed that he remains a force to be reckoned with when he scored a hat-trick against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
On the other hand, Lionel Messi has also continued doing what he does best and the Ballon d'Or this year also looks likely to be contested between the two superstars.
Also read: Perhaps they won't boo him anymore - Zidane backs Ronaldo
What’s next?
While Cristiano Ronaldo’s brilliance has guided Real Madrid to the Champions League semi-final for the seventh consecutive time, Barcelona will be hoping for some similar heroics by their talisman in the second leg against Juventus.
The Blaugrana lost their first leg 3-0 and they will need both Messi and Neymar to fire if they are to have any hopes of overcoming the Old Lady at the Camp Nou tonight.
Author’s take
While some of Ronaldo’s dynamism might have reduced over the years, there is no denying the fact that the Portuguese superstar is one of the best (if not the best) players in world football at the moment. Also, Ronaldo is supremely determined and all this might just motivate the Portuguese international to greater heights in the remainder of this season.
Another point to note is that the Spanish daily Don Balon (which is the source of this article) is known to come up with some sensational news from time to time and this should be taken with a pinch of salt by readers all around the world.
Also read: Cristiano Ronaldo says he would have won more Ballon d'Ors than Lionel Messi if they were team mates
