SHARJAH: Barcelona were crowned 2014-15 La Liga champions on Saturday. The Catalan club owe their sparkling success in no uncertain terms to one man more than any other - the magical Lionel Messi.
However, it was Real Madrid and Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo who ended the season on top of the League’s scoring charts with 48 goals as against Messi’s tally of 43. This was after his hat-trick for Real Madrid against Getafe on the last day of the La Liga season on Saturday.
The same day saw a Messi brace in Barcelona’s 2-2 draw against Deportivo La Coruna that put the Argentine sensation on second spot of the scoring charts with 43.
So, despite Barcelona lifting their 23rd first division title - their first trophy of the season - the Portuguese star continued to steal the limelight along with Messi.
Therefore, win or lose, both the talented players deserve equal respect and appreciation.
The two football phenomena - with contrasting styles - continued where they left off last year, and have been thrilling football fans with their sublime skills and goal-scoring prowess this season as well. Some mind-blowing statistics tell their story: 61 goals for Ronaldo (La Liga (48), Champions League (10), King’s Cup (3); Messi: 56 (La Liga (43), Champions League (10), King’s Cup (3).
Records have literally followed every match that these two football icons have featured in.
The Portuguese forward has scored 29 hat-tricks in all competitions for Real, surpassing the long-standing club record of 28 held by Alfredo Di Stefano. Messi has 32, three more than Ronaldo, in all competitions for Barcelona.
Both the players enjoy tremendous fan following. While Real fans are heavily inclined towards Ronaldo, Barcelona fans root for Messi and, so the debate over who is the best continues.
Messi is soccer legend Pele’s favourite while former Manchester United coach Sir Alex Ferguson gives his vote to Ronaldo. However, both admit that it is difficult to separate the two.
However, it was Real Madrid and Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo who ended the season on top of the League’s scoring charts with 48 goals as against Messi’s tally of 43. This was after his hat-trick for Real Madrid against Getafe on the last day of the La Liga season on Saturday.
The same day saw a Messi brace in Barcelona’s 2-2 draw against Deportivo La Coruna that put the Argentine sensation on second spot of the scoring charts with 43.
So, despite Barcelona lifting their 23rd first division title - their first trophy of the season - the Portuguese star continued to steal the limelight along with Messi.
Therefore, win or lose, both the talented players deserve equal respect and appreciation.
The two football phenomena - with contrasting styles - continued where they left off last year, and have been thrilling football fans with their sublime skills and goal-scoring prowess this season as well. Some mind-blowing statistics tell their story: 61 goals for Ronaldo (La Liga (48), Champions League (10), King’s Cup (3); Messi: 56 (La Liga (43), Champions League (10), King’s Cup (3).
Records have literally followed every match that these two football icons have featured in.
The Portuguese forward has scored 29 hat-tricks in all competitions for Real, surpassing the long-standing club record of 28 held by Alfredo Di Stefano. Messi has 32, three more than Ronaldo, in all competitions for Barcelona.
Both the players enjoy tremendous fan following. While Real fans are heavily inclined towards Ronaldo, Barcelona fans root for Messi and, so the debate over who is the best continues.
Messi is soccer legend Pele’s favourite while former Manchester United coach Sir Alex Ferguson gives his vote to Ronaldo. However, both admit that it is difficult to separate the two.
Even though comparisons between Ronaldo and Messi seem odious, they become inevitable as long as these two outstanding footballers of their generation continue to mesmerise fans with their skills in their quest for more titles and records going forward.
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