#4. Performances on the big stage:
Cristiano Ronaldo is the textbook definition of a big-game player. He thrives under pressure and makes key plays in the biggest of moments. Look no further than his epic hat-trick against Atletico Madrid last month in an absolute must-win situation.
The moment that cemented this for me was Ronaldo's winning Champions League penalty against Atletico Madrid in 2016. Whilst a lot of his rivals have failed under this kind of pressure, Ronaldo continues to make his presence felt in the biggest of moments.
Messi just hasn't enjoyed the same success on the big stage as Ronaldo. A notable example of this was his penalty miss against Chile in the 2016 Copa America. Where Messi essentially cost his side a title, you have to think that the consistent Ronaldo slots this one home to lift the trophy.