Whatever Lionel Messi can do, Cristiano Ronaldo can do better - and vice-versa.That seems to have been the mindset of the two football legends for more than a decade now.When they were competing in La Liga, Messi would score two goals for Barcelona one night and Ronaldo would bag a hat-trick for Real Madrid the next.Cristiano would score a brace for Los Blancos and Messi would respond with four goals for Barça.This incredible rivalry lasted for nine unforgettable seasons in Spain and is one of the reasons why they now boast a staggering 11 Ballon d’Or awards between them.
Both superstars are now coming to the end of their illustrious careers but they remain two of the finest players on the planets - if not *the* two finest players on the planet - and are among the favourites to win the 2021 Ballon d’Or award.With club football’s most prestigious individual accolade still up for grabs, Ronaldo is doing everything in his power not to be overshadowed by his long-term rival at Paris Saint-Germain.
Messi equalled Ronaldo record against RB Leipzig
Per the Manchester Evening News, Messi equalled one of Ronaldo’s Champions League records with his brace against RB Leipzig on Tuesday.
This was the 38th different team that Messi had scored against in the Champions League. Phenomenal.
Ronaldo re-takes record from Messi 24 hours later
But just 24 hours later, Ronaldo took his tally to 39 opponents scored against in the Champions League with his dramatic winning goal for Manchester United against Atalanta at Old Trafford.
Was Messi on his mind when Messi took the pitch on Wednesday night? Did watching the South American score twice against RB Leipzig lead to the Portuguese icon sprinting around like a man possessed during the second half?
We’ll never know, but there’s absolutely no doubt that Messi has spurred Ronaldo on - and, again, vice-versa - throughout their remarkable careers.
Both players deserve all the credit in the world for staying at the top of their profession for such a long time.
Ronaldo inspires Man Utd to comeback victory - Reaction (Football Terrace)
Can you get full marks on our ultimate Cristiano Ronaldo quiz?