Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo

Messi’s Major Personal Trophies

Lionel Messi has an unbelievable record of scored goals. Messi started playing on league level at season 2004/2005. Since then he has finished 0.93 goals per game on average in La Liga. Leo’s ability to finish goals is unreal.

In Copa del Rey Messi’s goal ratio is somewhat slower – 0.69 per game. Other Cups ratio: 0.78 and Champions League ratio: 0.82 per game.

Leo Messi’s passing skills are topnotch even thou they’re often overlooked. Messi has a world class vision as well accuracy to execute sharp passes and curvy free kicks.

Messi produces plenty of key passes and through balls. His all-time club career ratio of assists per game is 0.33.

Heading is clearly Messi’s notable weakness, mainly because his lack of height. Also, the fact that Barcelona’s playing philosophy is built on passing and controlling the ball, doesn’t help Messi to develop his heading skill.

Lionel Messi isn’t bad with his head though. He will make a goal if given the opportunity. It’s just the fact that he won’t get many chances.

Messi is presumably the best dribbler in history of football. His ability to keep the ball glued to his feet with high accelerated speed makes him an unstoppable force.

Taking account that dribbling is the hardest skill to master in football, just underline how gifted footballer Lionel Messi is. His agility, balance, reactions, ball control and patience of mind to make the right move at right time is enviable.

Lionel Messi has an ability to accelerate to the full speed in no time. He’s not as fast as Ronaldo but he can be seen quicker in his first steps.

Messi’s quick feet and skill enables him to keep ball closely with him, even in a crowd of opponents. Messi is said to run faster with a ball than without it.

Among with heading skill, Messi’s physical presence is modest. His lack of physical presence sometimes makes it difficult to pass thru opponent’s athletic defenders. Especially in cases where opposing team is positioned in turtle defense.

However, Leo is perfectly capable to stand up against enemy players and has enough power in his shots. While dribbling and finding free slots, his shortness can be an advantage.

Messi’s strong contribution to team play is undeniable. He can generate numerous solo goals yet not holding ball no longer than he should have done. The fact that Messi can produce a lot more solo goals than Ronaldo and still beating him clearly in assists, makes Leo Messi one of the best team contributors ever. Messi has unselfish side in his game as he often gives passes on team mates on better scoring spots or even hand them chance to take penalties.

Messi’s discipline is also on high level. Even after receiving many kicks and tackles in every game, he usually refuses to go down and tries to continue the attack.

So far Lionel Messi has better goals per game ratio in his career. He also succeeds to produce considerably more assists and so on has a better impact on his team’s play than Ronaldo has.

Messi’s weaknesses are mainly based on his physical limitations. In the areas he gives equalization to the others, Messi manage to overcome them by his outstanding vision, unique technique and creativity.