Cristiano Ronaldo’s legendary career surpasses that of his rival Lionel Messi, according to a survey of former footballers.
The global superstar has been compared to football fans for nearly two decades.
Messi, 35, has won seven Ballon d’Ors to Ronaldo’s five and has received more personal accolades.
But two-thirds of former footballers believe the five-time Champions League winner Ronaldo, 37, has a better career than his Argentinian rivals.
A recent poll by The Athletic found that 66% of former players surveyed chose Ronaldo when asked ‘who had a better career’.
This is partly due to the fact that Ronaldo has spent so many clubs in his career, which is partly where he surpasses Messi.
The Portuguese player, who has had two historic appearances at Manchester United, Real Madrid and a trophy-rich streak at Juventus, had a humble start at Sporting Lisbon.
Messi, meanwhile, has sworn allegiance to Spain’s Barcelona until the summer of 2021 and has signed for French champions Paris Saint-Germain.
The rivalry between Ronaldo and Messi lit up La Liga for almost 12 years and Messi fondly remembers it.
“He always wanted to surpass himself, not to look at others,” Messi said of his seventh Ballon d’Or win.
“With Cristiano Ronaldo, we were in the same league for several years, so there was some competition.
“It’s been great and allowed us to grow our careers, but without seeing each other in person.
I wanted to be my best self.
“I never said I was the best ever and I try not to think about it.”
“To be called one of the best is enough, something I never imagined.”
Ronaldo and his Manchester United teammates will take on local rivals Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.
Meanwhile, PSG and Messi will face Nice on Saturday night.
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