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A debate that has been ongoing for almost a decade now is the comparison between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The footballing world has been at each other's throats over the years trying to establish their favourite player as the best in the world. But the answer to the question is not as straightforward. Messi and Ronaldo have excelled at their respective clubs by playing in a variety of positions and many different roles within a playing XI.
Even on the virtual format, there has been nothing to separate these two. FIFA has given us ratings to compare some of the best players in the world and most times this yardstick has been pivotal in differentiating one player from another.
But when it comes to Ronaldo and Messi, even FIFA doesn't seem to have the answers. EA Sports' ratings for FIFA have varied for the two class performers over the years in such a way that there is practically nothing to separate the two best players in the world.
As FIFA 18 rolls in, fans are still left scratching their heads over who will be numero uno when the game does make its long awaited arrival. Keeping that in mind, there have been some instances when Ronaldo has scored higher than Messi. Will he repeat that feat again in FIFA 18? Here are the five times that Ronaldo beat Messi in FIFA ratings:
#5 FIFA 06
FIFA 06 was the first time that Ronaldo and Messi really had a showdown with each other. Not that you would have known it at the time though, with Ronaldo really getting into his own at Manchester United and a teenage Messi just coming through the ranks at a star-studded Barcelona team.
Nonetheless, Ronaldo was rated a very impressive 91 in this game owing to his tremendous skill and scoring ability coupled with blistering pace and urge to get in on goal. Messi, on the other hand, was just starting out and received a 78 rating, not bad for a practical nobody who would quickly become one of the most vital players in the Barca squad.
#4 FIFA 07
Continuing his impressive streak, Ronnie takes the cake on this one too as the Portuguese star continued his good work at Old Trafford and played a big part in the season for United. His rating dropped a few numbers to 87 but that was only due to lack of playing time. It was clear that Ronaldo was destined for greatness and his talent was there for all to see.
Speaking of talent, over in Spain, the mercurial Messi was showing what he is capable of, scoring magnificent goals off the bench and earning a more important role in the Barca line up. His brilliant play earned him a six point jump this year in FIFA to 84, just three behind Ronaldo.
#3 FIFA 08
As FIFA 08 rolled in, Ronaldo had already become United's most influential player and Messi was on the verge of doing the same at Barcelona. These two talented players had made a niche for themselves within a talented pool of superstars in Europe and it was beginning to become clear what the hype was all about.
Ronaldo's brilliant season at United earned him the 91 rating yet again and solidified him as one of the best players the game had to offer. Messi jumped too, making it to 86 and hot on the trail of the Portuguese player who had earned his name amongst the very best in the sport.
#2 FIFA 09
By FIFA 09, Ronaldo had already won the prestigious Ballon d'Or and was well on course to become the best player in the game. But by now, Messi had already established himself as Barcelona's one and only talisman, no more in the shadow of players such as Ronaldinho and Eto'o.
This meant that a solitary point separated the two at the very top of the heap in FIFA's ultimate gaming experience. 91 for Ronaldo and 90 for Messi clearly meant that it was just a matter of time before the Argentine took over from his nemesis.
#1 FIFA 17
For almost six years, Messi ruled the FIFA rating roost, ahead of Ronaldo and the very best in the world. While any other player would have thrown in the towel, Cristiano persevered and came back stronger every season and that determination earned him his spot back on top of the rating pile in FIFA 17.
Following a series of impressive numbers, Messi's ratings took a hit after Barcelona's average season and Real Madrid's coming out party. Ronaldo once again led the way in FIFA and managed a 94 rating with Messi one behind on 93. Redemption for the player who has earned the right to be called one of the greatest in world football.
What does FIFA 18 have in store for these two stalwarts of the beautiful game?
