CRISTIANO RONALDO’s legendary career TRUMPS that of rival Lionel Messi – according to a survey of former footballers.
The global superstars have been the subject of comparison from footy fans for the best part of two decades.
Messi, 35, holds more individual accolades to his name, winning the Ballon d’Or seven times to Ronaldo’s five scoops of the prestigious award.
But a whopping two-thirds of ex-footballers reckon five-time Champions League winner Ronaldo, 37, has had a better career than his Argentine adversary.
In a poll recently conducted by The Athletic, a whopping 66 per cent of the former players quizzed picked Ronaldo when asked which of the pair had a better career.
That stat could stem from Ronaldo’s stints at multiple clubs during his career – an area he trumps Messi on.
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The Portugal international has enjoyed two spells at Manchester United, a historic stint with Real Madrid and a trophy-filled stay with Juventus in addition to his humble beginnings at Sporting Lisbon.
Messi, meanwhile, remained loyal to Spanish giants Barcelona until the summer of 2021 when he joined French champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Ronaldo and Messi’s rivalry lit up La Liga for the best part of 12 years – which the latter looks back on with great fondness.
Upon claiming his seventh Ballon d’Or victory, Messi said: “I have always wanted to better myself, not look at what others were doing.
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“There was competition with Cristiano Ronaldo as we were in the same league for several years.
“That was great and helped us grow in our careers, but without looking directly at each other.”
“I just wanted to be the best I could be.
“I have never said that I’m the best in history, and I try not to think about that.
“Being considered one of the best is enough and something I’d never have imagined.”
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Ronaldo and his Manchester United team-mates will be back in action on Sunday afternoon, locking horns with local rivals Manchester City.
PSG and Messi, meanwhile, will face Nice on Saturday night.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
