Messi. Ronaldo. Who’s The Man?

By: Rob | April 23rd, 2008

Will Ronaldo end the debate? Tonight, as you will probably be aware, Barcelona are playing against Manchester United at Camp Nou. Its the Champions League semi-final, but more than that, its a chance to see the best two footballers in the world at the moment (sorry Ricky) on the same pitch, at the same time for 90 minutes. And the Guardian posed the question today, which I am gonna throw over to you guys. Who’s the best player in the world at the moment? Ronnie? or L’il Leo?

Both players have been in astonishing form all season. Ronaldo is demolishing every record known to humankind in the Premier League - it seems only a matter of time before he beats the Legendary Dennis Law’s goalscoring record, from the wing no less - and while Messi has spend a bit of the season out injured, he is treated as the Second Coming in Catalonia, which is not surprising when the diminutive forward can produce things like this.

Both are young. Messi is just aged 20, which is absolutely astonishing. His raw pace, vision, passing, and close control make him an absolutely formiddible opponent. Man United Left Back, Patrice Evra is going to have his hands full tonight as Messi likes to play right-wing to cut inside onto his favoured left - and subsequently the left-backs unfavoured right foot.

Or will Messi prove the greater
Ronaldo, is only 23. He’s already a focal point in his national side - much as Messi is for Argentina - and his abilty to beat his man, link up well, switch positions to confuse defenders, as well as his incredible ariel strength make him an incredible talent. Evidently he has also been practising his free-kicks this season.

Deciding which is the better may come down to just which league you’ve watched more of. In England, there is a certain assumption that Ronaldo is the best player in the world without doubt, because we can see what he can do week in and week out. Tonight Messi will have a chance to show English supporters that he is in fact the better player. The reverse is also true of course, with Messi considered the best in Spain, and Ronaldo can put those whispers of him disapearing in big games to bed for good.

Its hard to believe neither will score. They are the two top scorers in the CL this season, Ronaldo one ahead of Messi with the latter missing the last round. We might just find out tonight what both are made of. I can’t express to you how excited I am.

See you over at Daryl’s liveblog at kickoff time.

P.S. Just to get you in the mood, a few more Youtube links.