[Spurslover]

Originally Posted by machoman

Here are five convincing reasons why:

1) Messi is and has always been more of a team player than the Portuguese star. Ronaldo has received heat about his selfish play and while it is true that Diego Maradona called Messi a bit selfish in the last few weeks, the Argentinian does not reach the ridiculous levels Ronaldo can sometimes achieve.

For me, Lionel win hands down for this point.

Originally Posted by machoman

2) Age at this point in the two superstars' careers is a very underrated factor. Messi is two years younger than Ronaldo. Usually this is not a considerable difference, but compare Ronaldo from two years ago to today, and you will definitely see a difference. Additionally, the maturity level of a 21-year-old player to a 23-year-old is significant. For proof of this look at Ronaldinho, who didn't really reach his peak until he was about 25.

For me, Lionel win hands down for this point too.

Originally Posted by machoman

3) To most fans the integrity of the game is a big topic. Diving always takes away from the honesty and beauty of football, and unfortunately, Cristiano Ronaldo has perfected the art of diving as much as Olympic gold medalist Matthew Mitcham. Messi, on the other hand, is a warrior. His small frame seems easy to take down. However, it appears like he always runs between someone's legs or stays on his knees to keep a play going instead of splashing onto what some dream to be a huge green swimming pool.

For me, Cristiano win hand down if we talk about diving. I guess for his small frame, Lionel wouldn't make a great diver, hence, he didn't bother to try too much.

Jokes aside, I think Lionel may at one stage learn to dive too. However, based on his integrity to stay with Barca so far, I think, for me, Lionel stands taller for this point.

Originally Posted by machoman

4) Success with the national team is always key, especially when one speaks of Argentina or Portugal, and this is where Messi has the largest advantage. At only 21, the South American prodigy has won an U-20 World Cup, an Olympic gold medal, and has reached a Copa America final. Ronaldo, at 23, has been to one Euro final as the host, and that was four years ago, when Figo was still king in Portugal. It just always seems like Ronaldo ends up owing Portuguese fans a little more, while Messi, at his very young age, has given them plenty to gloat about.

Bro machoman, I think differently with this point. For me both have yet to perform for their individual country at senior level.

However, Lionel has much more accomplished players in Argentina than Cristiano has. Just look at Argentina's lineup and Portugal's lineup. I think Argentina stand out, but Lionel is not performing with so much support may be due to the style of play different from European play.

Hence, to me this is 0.5 point for both. As so far both of them doesn't deserve a full point at senior level.

Originally Posted by machoman

5) Attitude is the single most important attribute in sports. Messi has it all. The way he takes punishment and keeps going and his never-say-die mentality are admirable. You will never see Lionel Messi on the ground unless really injured, or with his head down before the end of a game, or even jogging if there is any remote chance of getting to a ball that's seemingly unreachable. Now take a look at Ronaldo. While his talent and potential are unreal, we see images too often of him crying, arguing, or just throwing tantrums that take away from his abilities and his team's chemistry.

Diving and attitude go hand in hand, which is why it is normal to see Ronaldo on the floor for several minutes, and almost impossible to see Messi in the same situation.

Ooo... Yeah.... Attitude... Cristiano has more attitude than Lionel, but it is more of a negative than positive.

I guess it is his cockiness that makes him a public enemy, Cristiano has only himself to blame for not getting this point.

On my score card, Lionel Messi (4.5) Cristiano Ronaldo (0.5)

So what say you bro?

Ooo... Yeah...