Before that let us consider some stats
Leo Messi
Age : 25
Leo Messi
Age : 25
Club appearances : 346
Club goals : 273
Club goals : 273
Country appearances : 75
Country goals : 31
Country goals : 31
Cristiano Ronaldo
Age : 27
Club appearances : 484
Club goals : 288
Club goals : 288
Country appearances : 100
Country goals : 37
To start off, I think both Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are two of the most extra-ordinary players currently playing. Considering the stats, Messi at the age of 25 and Ronaldo at the age of 27 are both in their prime. When you see the club stats, it comes to one's notice that Messi has a better Appearance to goal ratio compared to Ronaldo, while it's more or less even when it comes to country stats
Country goals : 37
To start off, I think both Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are two of the most extra-ordinary players currently playing. Considering the stats, Messi at the age of 25 and Ronaldo at the age of 27 are both in their prime. When you see the club stats, it comes to one's notice that Messi has a better Appearance to goal ratio compared to Ronaldo, while it's more or less even when it comes to country stats
Now when to look at the club careers, it more suits Messi because he has only played for one club all his life, so there doesn't arise a question of adjustment, secondly, Messi has always played for an established team and always in his preferable position. Hence, it has only aided his and therefore has never been on the back-foot At the same time when you look at Ronaldo's club career, he has played in total for 3 clubs, Portugal's Sporting Lisbon, then Manchester United and later on for Real Madrid. This also includes 3 different countries, Portugal, England and Spain. But whichever place he has played his trend, he has always impressed. Secondly, he is also used to playing in many positions. I remember him playing on the right wing, left wing as well as a striker. That shows his versatility.
When it comes to proving one's self, both Messi and Ronaldo have done it in their own ways. Messi has won many individual trophies and team trophies too. But what I think is the highlight of his game is that he understands the game around himself. His dribbling in combination with his passing has made him impeccable. When it comes to playing with Barcelona, he has played always in compliance of his team's style of play. Xavi, Iniesta have always been auxiliary to his game. Over the last few years he has also improved his finishing which is why he has been the top scorer in the last couple of years. And more importantly he has always delivered when needed.
When it comes to proving one's self, both Messi and Ronaldo have done it in their own ways. Messi has won many individual trophies and team trophies too. But what I think is the highlight of his game is that he understands the game around himself. His dribbling in combination with his passing has made him impeccable. When it comes to playing with Barcelona, he has played always in compliance of his team's style of play. Xavi, Iniesta have always been auxiliary to his game. Over the last few years he has also improved his finishing which is why he has been the top scorer in the last couple of years. And more importantly he has always delivered when needed.
Ronaldo on the other hand has won lesser individual and team trophies compared to Messi, but that doesn't take anything away from him. Ronaldo is a player who can carry an entire team on his shoulder. I remember when he played for Manchester United and at times he won games single handed, something which Messi can do, but to a lesser extent. Considering his playing attributes, one can say the he is one of the best headers of the ball, I've never seen anyone better. He has slightly more speed than Messi, which usually helps on one on one situations.
What personally I feel is that Messi is the most naturally talented footballer on the planet currently, where as Ronaldo has up-ed his game through his dedicated hard work as also proved himself as an on field leader. Nevertheless, both are great footballers and can easily be said that any one of them could easily dominate the world of football, if the other one wouldn't exist. Another important thing is that both of them have been injury free for most of their careers. Both deserve to be where they are and currently play for the world's best two club - Barcelona and Real Madrid, and rightly so.
Club stats for previous 5 seasons
Leo Messi :
2008-09 - Apps : 51 Goals : 38
2009-10 - Apps : 53 Goals : 47
2010-11 - Apps : 55 Goals : 53
2011-12 - Apps : 60 Goals : 73
2012-13 - Apps : 17 Goals : 20 (ongoing)
Cristiano Ronaldo :
2008-09 - Apps : 53 Goals : 26
2009-10 - Apps : 35 Goals : 33
2010-11 - Apps : 54 Goals : 53
2011-12 - Apps : 55 Goals : 60
2012-13 - Apps : 17 Goals : 19 (ongoing)
So it is upto you to decide who is better than the other..