Cristiano Ronaldo – 5 things that come to mind?

#1 Messi’s greatest rival

Messi and Cristiano at the FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2014

At this point of time, one could claim that Cristiano Ronaldo is perhaps more successful than his Argentine counterpart - simply because the Portuguese has what Lionel Messi craves more than anything - a trophy with his international team.

In a time when the Argentina number 10 is heads and shoulders above anyone in terms of natural ability, Cristiano Ronaldo stands toe-to-toe as a contemporary to the Argentine legend as his greatest rival.

There have been many great players in history, but there has never been a time when two players locked horns like the Portuguese and the Argentine have done in the last decade.

The fact that the last 9 Ballon d’Ors were won by either of the two is a clear testament to the claim.