Lionel Messi

[Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber]

Chief, two things:

1. How come Messi's goals per game record is better than Ronaldo even though he's clearly a better finisher? Ronaldo gets in better positions, he's not a better finisher.

Messi's goals to game ratio only looks better because Messi is never fit as long as Ronaldo.If he was, he still wouldn't score as many as Ronaldo over a season. Plus Ronaldo still scores many when not in good form at all having a great game. So its not all just down toi Ronaldo getting into better positions. His movement is superior to Messi's but Messi's is top draw too. It gets him into very many great scoring positions as well. This season so far has been ample proof

Having more to his game doesn't mean Ronaldo's a better player. .

In their case it does. They play the same position. They are both top talents. There is no other logical way to fairly separate them. Because one is naturally bigger and the other is natural more talented with a ball. Judging all aspects of their play is the only fair and logical thing left to do to make a comparison. & as it stands now Ronaldo is ahead on that front.,

It's how you use your abilities not how big your rang of abilities is. And Messi and Ronaldo are quite close in how they use their abilities to the best effect.

Ronaldo uses his range of abilities to best effect. Messi uses his few. That has to mean as of now, Ronaldo is the better of the two, when on top form. It's that simple. Messi will most probably catch up in the future. Since he is only 21. But right now Ronaldo is ahead.

Unfortunately for Ronaldo his biggest asset means he relies on the rest of the team playing well to allow him to play at his peak, .........

Personally I doubt this very much. I've seen several times when Ronaldo has been above his team mates when they've been having awful days. Remember Fulham game in 2007? It wasn't the only time it has happened over the last 3 years...

 

[Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber]

What people here are not taking into account is that, for an attacking player, dribbling and beating your man is the most dangerous thing that you can possibly do to a defence. When a player is beaten, the team shifts positions in order to cover for the man; this opens up a massive amount of room comparitively. This is particularly dangerous when you have a good passer on the ball to exploit the situation.

Messi, in terms of dribbling and close control over a football, is obviously unrivalled, and is a truly fantastic passer of the ball. He absolutely shits over Ronaldo in these aspects. His decision making is also years ahead of where it should be, which equates to one hell of a player. When Messi is on form, the opposition defence is literally all over the place due to the havoc that he can cause it. This doesn't just leave room for Messi to exploit....

It's all well and good saying that Ronaldo is better in the air, better finisher, two footed, etc, yet he is not as dangerous as Messi when it comes to opening up a defence. I don't believe it's as simple as "Messi is a better dribbler and passer, but Ronaldo's better at heading, finishing, etc", and I wouldn't think it'd be outrageous to suggest that there is some sort of hierarchy in regards to these attacking attributes. Dribbling is the single most damaging asset for an attacking player, in my opinion, and Messi is phenomenal at it. When was the last time we saw Ronaldo regularly take control of football matches and dominate them? 2006/07 is the answer, when he used to beat his man with the use of sheer power and agility. Ronaldo is a different animal now, albeit a fecking brilliant one in terms of productivity. However, I can't help watching him and yearning for those attributes that originally drew comparisons with Best.

Perhaps it really is just preference; Ronaldo is the complete forward, Messi is a magician. It depends on whether you want a player who can win a match, or a player who can dictate it. I'd take the latter every single time, and it's why I'd take an on-form Rooney over Ronaldo also.

Fair enough. But IMO you underestimate the damage movement causes to teams trying to defend against it. Especially when the one with that movement can also beat player and leave 'em for dead. Such movement is magic too. & is a form of dictating play also.

 

[JCurr]

Messi's better.

 

[Veron]

Furthermore lets look at their league stats over the last 3 seasons:
Messi
2005/06 17 league appearances 6 goals 2 assists
2006/2007 26 league appreances 14 goals 2 assists
2007/2008 28 league apreances 10 goals 12 assists
2008/2009 (so far) 11 league appearances 9 goals 6 assists (Messi is on to form)

Ronaldo
2005/06 33 league apperances 9 goals 6 assists
2007/06 34 league appearances 17 goals 14 assists
2007/08 34 league appearrances 31 goals 7 assists
2008/09 (so far) 10 league appearances 8 goals 3 assists. (Ronaldo not on top form)

How conveniently our friend here has left out certain facts to compensate for thier reality.Let me put in in better context.

Messi

Age 18 17 league appearances 6 goals 2 assists
Age 19 26 league appreances 14 goals 2 assists
Age 20 28 league apreances 10 goals 12 assists
Age 21* 11 league appearances 9 goals 6 assists


Ronaldo

Age 18 33 league apperances 4 goals
Age 19 33 league apperances 5 goals
Age 20 33 league apperances 9 goals 6 assists
Age 21 34 league appearances 17 goals 14 assists
Age 22 34 league appearrances 31 goals 7 assists
Age 23* 10 league appearances 8 goals 3 assists.

At every stage Messi has shown better progress even if you take into account only goals as a measure for a player even disreagarding Appearances which were half of ronaldo's.

 

[FranklyVulgar]

What people here are not taking into account is that, for an attacking player, dribbling and beating your man is the most dangerous thing that you can possibly do to a defence. When a player is beaten, the team shifts positions in order to cover for the man; this opens up a massive amount of room comparitively. This is particularly dangerous when you have a good passer on the ball to exploit the situation.

Messi, in terms of dribbling and close control over a football, is obviously unrivalled, and is a truly fantastic passer of the ball. He absolutely shits over Ronaldo in these aspects. His decision making is also years ahead of where it should be, which equates to one hell of a player. When Messi is on form, the opposition defence is literally all over the place due to the havoc that he can cause it. This doesn't just leave room for Messi to exploit....

It's all well and good saying that Ronaldo is better in the air, better finisher, two footed, etc, yet he is not as dangerous as Messi when it comes to opening up a defence. I don't believe it's as simple as "Messi is a better dribbler and passer, but Ronaldo's better at heading, finishing, etc", and I wouldn't think it'd be outrageous to suggest that there is some sort of hierarchy in regards to these attacking attributes. Dribbling is the single most damaging asset for an attacking player, in my opinion, and Messi is phenomenal at it. When was the last time we saw Ronaldo regularly take control of football matches and dominate them? 2006/07 is the answer, when he used to beat his man with the use of sheer power and agility. Ronaldo is a different animal now, albeit a fecking brilliant one in terms of productivity. However, I can't help watching him and yearning for those attributes that originally drew comparisons with Best.

Perhaps it really is just preference; Ronaldo is the complete forward, Messi is a magician. It depends on whether you want a player who can win a match, or a player who can dictate it. I'd take the latter every single time, and it's why I'd take an on-form Rooney over Ronaldo also.

Top post, it is no way cut and dry "Ronaldo is the better all round" that instantly makes him a better player. It's nonsense, the beauty of football is that you can be slow and still brilliant, you can useless with one foot or rubbish in the air yet still the best player in the world. You can even have a feckin deformity in your legs and show people how the game should be played.

 

[KingEric7]

Unfortunately for Ronaldo his biggest asset means he relies on the rest of the team playing well to allow him to play at his peak, whereas Messi's biggest asset allows him to play well even when the rest of the team isn't.

That's a wonderful way of putting it.

Ronaldo is a fantastic finisher, yet probably no better than Messi. He's also an exquisite header of the ball, which he definitely should've displayed yesterday! For these two to be put to their optimum use, Ronaldo must have decent service. I accept that Ronaldo's movement makes this possible, but Messi can dismantle a team irrespective of how the other players on his team are performing.

 

[Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber]

How conveniently our friend here has left out certain facts to compensate for thier reality.Let me put in in better context.

I haven't presented anything in a convenient fashion.

Messi

Age 18 17 league appearances 6 goals 2 assists
Age 19 26 league appearances 14 goals 2 assists
Age 20 28 league appearances 10 goals 12 assists
Age 21 11 league appearances 9 goals 6 assists


Ronaldo

Age 18 33 league appearances 4 goals 4assists
Age 19 33 league appearances 5 goals 4 assists
Age 20 33 league appearances 9 goals 6 assists
Age 21 34 league appearances 17 goals 14 assists
..........
At every stage Messi has shown better progress even if you take into account only goals as a measure for a player even disreagarding Appearances which were half of ronaldo's.

Kindly look at it again, please. With Ronaldo's complete assists stats included. I believe you will find you are mistaken in your conclusions.

 

[Red Pavan]

That's a wonderful way of putting it.

Ronaldo is a fantastic finisher, yet probably no better than Messi. He's also an exquisite header of the ball, which he definitely should've displayed yesterday! For these two to be put to their optimum use, Ronaldo must have decent service. I accept that Ronaldo's movement makes this possible, but Messi can dismantle a team irrespective of how the other players on his team are performing.

Hence, Messi is the better player and so end this ever going duscussion?

 

[KingEric7]

Hence, Messi is the better player and so end this ever going duscussion?

Well, it's a nice argument.

However, on current form, there is no argument.

 

[Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber]

Top post, it is no way cut and dry "Ronaldo is the better all round" that instantly makes him a better player. It's nonsense, the beauty of football is that you can be slow and still brilliant, you can useless with one foot or rubbish in the air yet still the best player in the world. You can even have a feckin deformity in your legs and show people how the game should be played.

When you are both the top talents around that's how players can be and are separated. Especially when no one is head and shoulders above the others aorund the way a fella like Maradona was or fat Ronaldo and Ronaldinho were at the apex of their powers.

 

[marcus agrippa]

who cares?

Ronaldo helped us win the Double.

he'll rightly win all the personal stuff.

he suits our team. and he and we play better together than not.

Angelina Jolie is probably hotter than my girl, but i don't want her.

 

[FranklyVulgar]

When you are both the top talents around that's how players can be and are separated. Especially when no one is head and shoulders above the others aorund the way a fella like Maradona was or fat Ronaldo and Ronaldinho were at the apex of their powers.

Messi is the only one capable of reaching the hights of "fat" Ronaldo or a Maradona.

Messi just turned 21 and is quite clearly the best player in his team, the number 10 for barcelona. Ronaldo will turn 24 in the coming months and in footballing terms has 3 years on Messi.

I honestly think Messi will go on to win it all and be looked at as a true legend of the game. Only injury can stop him.

 

[Veron]

I haven't presented anything in a convenient fashion.

Kindly look at it again, please. With Ronaldo's complete assists stats included. I believe you will find you are mistaken in your conclusions.

I don't get it.

Ronaldo has 2 more assists in his first 2 seasons after having played twice the amount of games messi has.Third season messi has twice as many assists as ronaldo once again having played considerably lesser football.And the season where ronnie has 14 assists at age 21 is the one messi is currently playing again having a equal or slightly greater ratio than ronaldo's.

Which were you talking about ?

 

[Brwned]

Messi's goals to game ratio only looks better because Messi is never fit as long as Ronaldo.If he was, he still wouldn't score as many as Ronaldo over a season. Plus Ronaldo still scores many when not in good form at all having a great game. So its not all just down toi Ronaldo getting into better positions. His movement is superior to Messi's but Messi's is top draw too. It gets him into very many great scoring positions as well. This season so far has been ample proof.

That's just your opinion, and very debatable. It'd make sense if it was only Messi on a run of form and he'd not played many games over that time period, but this is based on over 100 games. It doesn't hold much water to be honest. I'm not as sure about Messi's movement. He has the ability to find space brilliantly and since his main form of movement is towards the ball then that's an asset in itself, but his movement in behind isn't all that. I know you think it is, I just don't.

In their case it does. They play the same position. They are both top talents. There is no other logical way to fairly separate them. Because one is naturally bigger and the other is natural more talented with a ball. Judging all aspects of their play is the only fair and logical thing left to do to make a comparison. & as it stands now Ronaldo is ahead on that front.,

You could just compare how they use their own specific talents though, which is fairly easy to do with how devastating they both are and how often they both use their talents. I prefer Ronaldo's style of play, off the ball movement is something I just find brilliant to watch. It's why I'm a big fan of Inzaghi's. I just think that Messi is beginning to show that he is marginally better than Ronaldo as each week goes by.

Ronaldo uses his range of abilities to best effect. Messi uses his few. That has to mean as of now, Ronaldo is the better of the two, when on top form. It's that simple. Messi will most probably catch up in the future. Since he is only 21. But right now Ronaldo is ahead.

But does Messi use his few abilities to greater effect? It's debatable but there's definitely an argument for it. And if he does, that's really the main thing.

Personally I doubt this very much. I've seen several times when Ronaldo has been above his team mates when they've been having awful days. Remember Fulham game in 2007? It wasn't the only time it has happened over the last 3 years...

I would've thought his matches against Villa and Portsmouth would be better examples of that to be honest. I've exaggerated the point slightly. Ronaldo nowadays does use his off the ball running more and more whereas back two years ago he could do like Messi does and play brilliantly without the rest of the team playing well. Messi does this much more often though and it's all about their playing style.

 

[Brwned]

who cares?

Ronaldo helped us win the Double.

he'll rightly win all the personal stuff.

he suits our team. and he and we play better together than not.

Angelina Jolie is probably hotter than my girl, but i don't want her.

You don't?!

Is your girl that hot?

 

[Mainoldo]

I don't get it.

Ronaldo has 2 more assists in his first 2 seasons after having played twice the amount of games messi has.Third season messi has twice as many assists as ronaldo once again having played considerably lesser football.And the season where ronnie has 14 assists at age 21 is the one messi is currently playing again having a equal or slightly greater ratio than ronaldo's.

Which were you talking about ?

Ronaldo had to compete with Ole and Bellion whilst Messi was playing with the best team in the world! Hence the less appearances and probably more chances being made. Really if you wanted to compare impact you'd have to watch their careers in reverse, Maybe Beckham and Veron still being at United and Ronaldinho never joining Barca along with say Deco. Very hypotheical and we'll never know. But to answer a question i can't see what Messi done and a younger age that Ronaldo didn't at the same age!

 

[Mainoldo]

You could just compare how they use their own specific talents though, which is fairly easy to do with how devastating they both are and how often they both use their talents. I prefer Ronaldo's style of play, off the ball movement is something I just find brilliant to watch. It's why I'm a big fan of Inzaghi's. I just think that Messi is beginning to show that he is marginally better than Ronaldo as each week goes by.

I have no problem you liking Inzaghi, but i think it's become a norm on this thread that Ronaldo is the limited one whilst Messi has all the ability which just isn't true. Yes he's big and powerful but his not Emile Heskey he has just as much talent as Messi and people just seem to be forgeting that just because he doesn't weave in and out of opponents, which for his height and physic is harder to do.

 

[Escobar]

That's a wonderful way of putting it.

Ronaldo is a fantastic finisher, yet probably no better than Messi. He's also an exquisite header of the ball, which he definitely should've displayed yesterday! For these two to be put to their optimum use, Ronaldo must have decent service. I accept that Ronaldo's movement makes this possible, but Messi can dismantle a team irrespective of how the other players on his team are performing.

Last season, Barca was rather poor. Where was Messi then? He's playing with world class players, of course he can play at his best, same for Ronaldo.

I wouldnt say Ronaldo won us the trophy single handed, but he scored so many goals last season when we didnt look like winning the game, so he obviously can decide games on his own, no matter how poor we play

 

[Brwned]

Ronaldo had to compete with Ole and Bellion whilst Messi was playing with the best team in the world!

Because he broke into the team ahead of players like Giuly, who was a very important player for Barcelona when Messi was starting to break through.

 

[Mainoldo]

Because he broke into the team ahead of players like Giuly, who was a very important player for Barcelona when Messi was starting to break through.

Yeah thats right all 17 appearances better!!

 

[Brwned]

I have no problem you liking Inzaghi, but i think it's become a norm on this thread that Ronaldo is the limited one whilst Messi has all the ability which just isn't true. Yes he's big and powerful but his not Emile Heskey he has just as much talent as Messi and people just seem to be forgeting that just because he doesn't weave in and out of opponents, which for his height and physic is harder to do.

Ronaldo is a very talented player. This has been gone over so many times here.

His finishing is brilliant, he has a great long range shot on him, he's very handy with his head(which is a technique in itself), his movement is a class above everyone else's, he is a brilliant dribbler at top speed and he's got that extra bit of creativity that allows him to create something out of nothing.

I just think Messi has more ability.

 

[kouroux]

What comes down to attitude?



The likes of Xavi, Iniesta and Etoo happen to be quite good at football as well if you haven't noticed.

To be more precised on the "he carries them" part, I was refering to the attacking part and nothing else
Eto'o claimed on tv that Messi is the catalyst of their team and without him they wouldn't be playing as well as they are,obviously i'm not saying Messi is the only good player Barca 's got but he's their maestro.
Eto'o gets so many chances and scores them when Messi plays with him. I'm not saying he couldn't do it without Messi but it's surely helping him.

 

[Brwned]

Yeah thats right all 17 appearances better!!

Injuries are what gave Messi his chance that season, but there's no denying that Giuly was a very important attacking outlet for Barcelona throughout his career.

Messi took his chance to get in the best team in the world at the age of 17, and started to cement his place in that team by the age he was 18. All the while there were players like Giuly, Larsson, Eto'o, Gudjohnsen and Ronaldinho in the team(at varying times).

That is a very big achievement and to say you don't see what Messi did at this age that Ronaldo didn't/couldn't is being blind to the obvious facts.

 

[Fortitude]

What people here are not taking into account is that, for an attacking player, dribbling and beating your man is the most dangerous thing that you can possibly do to a defence. When a player is beaten, the team shifts positions in order to cover for the man; this opens up a massive amount of room comparitively. This is particularly dangerous when you have a good passer on the ball to exploit the situation.

Messi, in terms of dribbling and close control over a football, is obviously unrivalled, and is a truly fantastic passer of the ball. He absolutely shits over Ronaldo in these aspects. His decision making is also years ahead of where it should be, which equates to one hell of a player. When Messi is on form, the opposition defence is literally all over the place due to the havoc that he can cause it. This doesn't just leave room for Messi to exploit....

It's all well and good saying that Ronaldo is better in the air, better finisher, two footed, etc, yet he is not as dangerous as Messi when it comes to opening up a defence. I don't believe it's as simple as "Messi is a better dribbler and passer, but Ronaldo's better at heading, finishing, etc", and I wouldn't think it'd be outrageous to suggest that there is some sort of hierarchy in regards to these attacking attributes. Dribbling is the single most damaging asset for an attacking player, in my opinion, and Messi is phenomenal at it. When was the last time we saw Ronaldo regularly take control of football matches and dominate them? 2006/07 is the answer, when he used to beat his man with the use of sheer power and agility. Ronaldo is a different animal now, albeit a fecking brilliant one in terms of productivity. However, I can't help watching him and yearning for those attributes that originally drew comparisons with Best.

Perhaps it really is just preference; Ronaldo is the complete forward, Messi is a magician. It depends on whether you want a player who can win a match, or a player who can dictate it. I'd take the latter every single time, and it's why I'd take an on-form Rooney over Ronaldo also.

That's a top post and it's spot on.

Well played.

 

[Brwned]

I assume you're joking.

The guy struggles to spot a pass let alone execute it,more often than not it falls short or gets intercepted easily when he tries a telling pass,sure he gets a few here and there but there are literally hundreds out there who have a better eye than him when it comes to passing.Messi is very intelligent in this area,he's very quick to pick a team-mate out and has excellent judgement.

That's bollocks.

He may not be a Paul Scholes or Wayne Rooney in how he executes the pass but he is very aware of everything that's going on in the game and he has great vision. The execution isn't always there, the idea and vision to see the pass definitely is.

 

[peterstorey]

You don't?!

Is your girl that hot?

You'll just have to console yourself with Angie, if you can live with the thought she's second best.

 

[Mainoldo]

Injuries are what gave Messi his chance that season, but there's no denying that Giuly was a very important attacking outlet for Barcelona throughout his career.

Messi took his chance to get in the best team in the world at the age of 17, and started to cement his place in that team by the age he was 18. All the while there were players like Giuly, Larsson, Eto'o, Gudjohnsen and Ronaldinho in the team(at varying times).

That is a very big achievement and to say you don't see what Messi did at this age that Ronaldo didn't/couldn't is being blind to the obvious facts.

You just made my comment negative and it wasn't made to de-value Messi's achievements! I appreciate him being able to break into the team at his age but i don't see why if Ronaldo was produced through our youth system why he wouldn't have made his debut in 2003 when we won the league. The orginal arguement was comparing Ronaldo at the same age as Messi and what i said was you can't because of the teams at the time! I have no doubt that we would have seen Ronaldo making his debut for Barca at 17 if he was part of their development and i dont see why at the time if we signed Messi at 18 for £12m he would have played as many games as Ronaldo that season.

 

[Brwned]

You'll just have to console yourself with Angie, if you can live with the thought she's second best.

It'd be hard to do, but I think if I really pushed myself I could push past the fact that she's only second best and I might just be happy to let her be my wife.

Those lips.

 

[Brwned]

You just made my comment negative and it wasn't made to de-value Messi's achievements! I appreciate him being able to break into the team at his age but i don't see why if Ronaldo was produced through our youth system why he wouldn't have made his debut in 2003 when we won the league. The orginal arguement was comparing Ronaldo at the same age as Messi and what i said was you can't because of the teams at the time! I have no doubt that we would have seen Ronaldo making his debut for Barca at 17 if he was part of their development and i dont see why at the time if we signed Messi at 18 for £12m he would have played as many games as Ronaldo that season.

I do think Ronaldo would have broke through as quickly at Barcelona, whether he would have played as many games is another thing altogether and I'm not sure.

If we had signed Messi at 18 there's absolutely no doubt in my mind that he would have played more games than Ronaldo imo, because the main reason Ronaldo was rested in some games was because of his decision making, which is completely fair for someone so young, but Messi has never suffered from that since he broke through the Barcelona team.

 

[Fortitude]

I do think Ronaldo would have broke through as quickly at Barcelona, whether he would have played as many games is another thing altogether and I'm not sure.

If we had signed Messi at 18 there's absolutely no doubt in my mind that he would have played more games than Ronaldo imo, because the main reason Ronaldo was rested in some games was because of his decision making, which is completely fair for someone so young, but Messi has never suffered from that since he broke through the Barcelona team.

Agree.

At that age he was tearing a Youth World Cup to shreds. He'd have played every game possible barring injury and rest given his age if he were here.

 

[Veron]

Ronaldo had to compete with Ole and Bellion whilst Messi was playing with the best team in the world! Hence the less appearances and probably more chances being made. Really if you wanted to compare impact you'd have to watch their careers in reverse, Maybe Beckham and Veron still being at United and Ronaldinho never joining Barca along with say Deco. Very hypotheical and we'll never know. But to answer a question i can't see what Messi done and a younger age that Ronaldo didn't at the same age!

What Ronaldo didn't have back then was a level head,he was quite immature and made poor decisions constantly often over doing simple things.

Messi's first season was actually at the age of 17 when he had a handfull of appearances and still managed to break ahead of guily at the end.After that its been injuries that have kept him down.

His performance against Madrid at the age of 18 was one of the best i've ever seen which was slightly shadowed then by ronaldinho's double.

 

[Veron]

That's bollocks.

He may not be a Paul Scholes or Wayne Rooney in how he executes the pass but he is very aware of everything that's going on in the game and he has great vision. The execution isn't always there, the idea and vision to see the pass definitely is.

Oh please if there's one thing Ronaldo is poor at it is not knowing where his team-mates are,he's either too busy taking on players or taunting opponents to be spatially aware of them.Most of his ambitious passes however few they are get cut out too easily.I don't recall him ever trying a cross-field or 30 yard pass. He instead spends his time trying to get away from his marker and create space for himself,that's not vision that's just good positioning.

 

[Brwned]

Oh please if there's one thing Ronaldo is poor at it is not knowing where his team-mates are,he's either too busy taking on players or taunting opponents to be spatially aware of them.Most of his ambitious passes however few they are get cut out too easily.I don't recall him ever trying a cross-field or 30 yard pass. He instead spends his time trying to get away from his marker and create space for himself,that's not vision that's just good positioning.

You're blind.

A lot of our counter attacking goals over the past few years have been because Ronaldo had the vision to pick out the right pass, and execute it as well. And that's just an example of his vision.

He's very aware of what's around him and he does have that vision.

No-one said anything about a cross-field pass. Top class passers can do that, I didn't say Ronaldo was anywhere near that level.

 

[vijay]

Multiquoting Rubber's post is like attempting a dip in a cesspool with too many rats crawling around, especially the escape hatch set in the bottom.

 

[Veron]

You're blind.

A lot of our counter attacking goals over the past few years have been because Ronaldo had the vision to pick out the right pass, and execute it as well. And that's just an example of his vision.

He's very aware of what's around him and he does have that vision.

No-one said anything about a cross-field pass. Top class passers can do that, I didn't say Ronaldo was anywhere near that level.

Execute he did,but pick out the right pass a lot of times ? No use arguing anymore ,that's your view.

I see players like Kaka,Scholes,Xavi,Fabregas to name a very few display thier vision often and i often wonder about the complete lack of vision from
Ronaldo' game, the guy has his amazing strengths but passing isn't one of them for me.

 

[Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber]

Messi is the only one capable of reaching the hights of "fat" Ronaldo or a Maradona.

In 5 years time you will realize how mistaken you are. Ronaldo is going to set records people will take ages to match. He will only get better at what he is ace at now. Mark my words.

Messi just turned 21 and is quite clearly the best player in his team, the number 10 for barcelona.

Ronaldo was United's number 7 aged 18 and by far our best player by age 21 also. In case you have forgotten.

Ronaldo will turn 24 in the coming months and in footballing terms has 3 years on Messi.

So what? At his age Ronaldo was just as good as Messi is now. Remember 2007.

I honestly think Messi will go on to win it all and be looked at as a true legend of the game. Only injury can stop him.

Meanwhile you think Ronaldo wont be any thing special right? as you love to constantly point out in this thread....

 

[crappycraperson]

Execute he did,but pick out the right pass a lot of times ? No use arguing anymore ,that's your view.

I see players like Kaka,Scholes,Xavi,Fabregas to name a very few display thier vision often and i often wonder about the complete lack of vision from
Ronaldo' game, the guy has his amazing strengths but passing isn't one of them for me.

Scholes never gets to pick the same passes as likes of Kaka and Fabregas do. Thats why all of them stack up those assists and he does not. Does not mean Scholes is lacking in passing ability. Its down to our football style. We don't play a continental style of football aimed at opening up defences with a through ball. Ronaldo's role is to run down the wing, put in those crosses and try to get into goal scoring positions. Put him in a spanish team and he would have a different role.

 

[Veron]

So what? At his age Ronaldo was just as good as Messi is now. Remember 2007.

Yes 1 year ago when he was 22 and scored 17 in the league,Messi is still 21 and has 9 in 11 already.

 

[Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber]

I don't get it.

Ronaldo has 2 more assists in his first 2 seasons after having played twice the amount of games messi has.Third season messi has twice as many assists as ronaldo once again having played considerably lesser football.And the season where ronnie has 14 assists at age 21 is the one messi is currently playing again having a equal or slightly greater ratio than ronaldo's.

Which were you talking about ?

Something that should be pretty obvious. Ronaldo's porgress is markedly better over the entire season in an inferior side to what Messi has been in since age 18. In each season. It's not Ronaldo's fault Messi kept getting injued making him play less games. So I dont see how you can automatically assume Messi would have done more than he did if he had played as many games. Football doesn't work that way.

Furthermor, I didn't mention in my last post that Ronaldo wasn't playing in the same team as an on fire Ronaldinho and E'too and infront of a world class midfield. In fact it;s only since 2007 that Ronaldo finally started playing infront of a top class midfields with top fowards to create for. Yet even the foward he creates for a poor finshers in comparison to Henry and E'too. Who are helping Messi rake up the assists this year.

 

[Mainoldo]

Execute he did,but pick out the right pass a lot of times ? No use arguing anymore ,that's your view.

I see players like Kaka,Scholes,Xavi,Fabregas to name a very few display thier vision often and i often wonder about the complete lack of vision from
Ronaldo' game, the guy has his amazing strengths but passing isn't one of them for me.

Why.... We have Scholes Rooney and Carrick!! Your talking like the guy can't pass, he just hardly hits them hollywood balls(Maybe he should practice it in training).