4 reasons why Cristiano Ronaldo had a better decade than Lionel Messi 

#1 Ronaldo finally lifted a major trophy with Portugal, while Messi failed even after reaching three finals

Portugal v France - Final: UEFA Euro 2016

For years, the only thing that continued to blight the otherwise remarkable careers of these incredible players, who share 11 Ballon d'Ors among them, was success at the international level.

This changed in 2016 when Portugal won the first major title in their history, with Ronaldo playing a pivotal role in their title-run in Euro 2016.

Ronaldo can now be ranked with the true greats of the game. He finally added success in the international arena, with a Euro 2016 win to add to his accolades and honours with Manchester United and Real Madrid.

🇵🇹 @Cristiano Ronaldo for @SelecaoPortugal:🏟 157 Caps⚽ 85 Goals🎯 37 Assists🏆 European Championship Winner🏆 UEFA Nations League Winner🥈 European Championship Runner-Up👑 King of his country. pic.twitter.com/psTvP7Cnoe

— SPORF (@Sporf) June 9, 2019

Though he could only carry his side to the round-of-16 in the FIFA World Cup 2018, he followed up his EURO 2016 success at yet another UEFA competition in the Nations League, winning the maiden edition of the competition with A Seleção.

Messi had been unfortunate to have never lifted a trophy with his nation, given that he made it to three major international finals in consecutive years between 2014 to 2016.

Till date, his only achievement with La Abiceleste remains the Olympic Gold medal in 2008. But when accolades with his nation in the decade are considered it was a disappointing stretch for him.