Luca Caioli - Messi vs Ronaldo 2018

Team Messi or Team Cristiano? Choosing a side seems more or less obligatory these days. The footballing world is divided although its not an easy choice. Its about more than just the stats and the trophies, its about deep-seated loyalties and the emotions these two players stir up. Its a debate swirling with emotion and passion as much as statistics and reason. Every tiny detail is analysed and compared: gestures, on-the-pitch behaviour, dribbling technique, fouls, assists, goals, matches, championships, prizes, their most recent statements, the latest research.

CR7 versus Messi has earned its place as a classic derby. Sport is fuelled by rivalries between athletes, teams and countries, as well as by comparisons between different periods in each of their histories. Memory is a fundamental element of the game and pitting one person against another is a favourite pastime which has always divided world media opinion. Boxers Ali and Foreman, racing drivers Prost and Senna, tennis stars Borg and McEnroe, basketball players Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, motorcycle racers Valentino Rossi and Marc Mrquez, athletes Carl Lewis and Ben Johnson But in football it is rare to find a player considered to be a great who can also be overshadowed by a contemporary. Pel, Cruyff, Maradona and Di Stfano never overlapped in terms of their time at the top. But now there is a personal duel between two stars which has become a one-on-one ever since the Portuguese player arrived in La Liga.

Which brings us to the most frequently asked question: who is the best? Its a question asked over and over in the newspapers, on the radio, on TV and on blogs, and everyone from coaches, footballers and pundits to plain old fans have been swept up in the debate. Everyone has their own opinion. During his tenure as England coach, Fabio Capello once said: Its difficult to decide which one is better. They are both very good but in different ways. Messi is unpredictable, no one is capable of doing what he does. But Cristiano is very powerful and has incredible speed. But when asked who he would choose for his squad, Capello joked: Cristiano speaks English. But Messi speaks football.

Former Argentina coach Sergio El Checho Batista agrees with the Economist: For me, Messi is the best, but both of them are up there on the list of greats. Leo has amazing skills, hes incredibly talented, and he has a left-footed shot that many players envy. Cristiano hits the ball very well, he is strong and he moves very fast. Pep Guardiola is even more emphatic, insisting that Leo is the best player in history. There has never been a player like him, and I dont think there will ever be another like him, the Manchester City manager has said.

There are some who refuse to be drawn on the matter. They are both top players, says former Portugal manager Paulo Bento. If they didnt play in the same country there wouldnt be a debate about who was better. And then there are others who are die-hard Cristiano fans no matter what. He is a more complete player than Messi, in the sense that he plays equally well with both feet, and his head, points out CD Castelln and former Valencia player ngel Dealbert. He can push forward and he can shoot. Messi loses points when it comes to headers and playing with the right foot. Carlo Ancelotti also needs no convincing: Cristiano is from another world. He scores with incredible ease. Its difficult to find the words to describe him. As if thats not enough, the Bayern Munich manager adds: No disrespect to anyone else, but Cristiano is the best footballer I have ever coached. Even Usain Bolt is a big fan of the Portuguese. Ronaldo is better than Messi, without a doubt. Hes a more well-rounded player, says the champion athlete, adding: Plus hes fun and hes a great person. And of course, we have to hear from Sir Alex Ferguson. People say, Whos the best player in the world? and plenty of people rightly say Lionel Messi you cant dispute that opinion. But Ronaldo could play for Millwall, Queens Park Rangers and Doncaster and score a hat-trick. Im not sure Messi could do it. Ronaldos got two feet, quick, brave in the air. I think Messis a Barcelona player.

Ever since the two stars went head to head they have always been portrayed as opponents, and the press and fans have drawn attention to the rivalry ever since CR7 moved to Real Madrid. They are viewed as great enemies as much as great stars. Each the kryptonite to the others Superman. Ronaldos fans and detractors always seem to fixate on Messi and vice versa. Whenever fans from any team across the world want to attempt to rile one of them, they shout the others name. And in interviews, each is constantly asked his opinion of the other.

Nevertheless, in public at least, the two have always shown the utmost respect for each other. Were colleagues. Were friends professionally, although obviously we dont spend time together outside the realm of football. The same goes for my relationship with other players, Ronaldo has explained. He works hard to play the best that he can for his club and country, just as I do. Theres a certain rivalry in that we each want the best for our teams. I hope that in a few years time well look back and laugh about it together. Football is a game, its entertainment, something that makes us happy. Its a beautiful thing, something everyone in the world enjoys. We have to approach the rivalry with a positive attitude, because its a good thing. The presence of someone like Messi has pushed CR7 to ever greater heights. And the Argentine has a similar opinion: There is no real rivalry, there never has been. Its something the press like to hype up. We both just want to do the best that we can for our clubs. Its not Messi versus Ronaldo, it never has been.

In truth, there was a slight tension in the early days whenever they crossed paths during a match or public appearance. But in recent seasons they have been very relaxed about it, even exchanging private remarks or gestures, as they did at the Ballon dOr ceremony in January 2015. The maturity that has developed on the pitch over the years has been reflected in the real world. But make no mistake, they each want the same thing: to triumph over the other. They are hungry for victory, passionate, indefatigable. They have the drive to constantly improve and the will to succeed.

They are always convinced that victory is just within their reach and they just need the confidence and determination to make it happen. Neither one ever gives up, they know that success requires discipline and sacrifice. What they have in common is their ability to put their feelings aside and give 200 per cent to the task in hand. They have the talent and the skills, they are natural goal-scorers, the real deal. But they are also two professionals obsessed with their profession, seeking perfection.

Who is the best? This book doesnt try to answer that. But it will tell you everything you need to know about these two footballing superstars to make up your own mind.