Some players can play until the age of 35 and 40, but Messi and Ronaldo are a different story. Ronaldo can play until he is 35 and Messi can continue playing until 2023. But the question remains, will they continue to play at that age? The desire to win will always prevail, and neither of them will ever let go of their footballing dreams. While Messi’s age may be a concern, his desire to excel always comes first.
Ronaldo’s desire to succeed always prevails
Ronaldo has always been focused on winning. Winning is more important than playing well because no one will remember the other team’s opportunities or play. This mentality has helped Ronaldo focus on winning trophies. If you want to win, you have to do whatever it takes to get there. He has a powerful drive for success and doesn’t shy away from showing his emotions. It is this competitive spirit that makes him a top player in the game.
Like all great players, Cristiano Ronaldo takes criticism well. No player is immune from criticism, but the desire to succeed always triumphs. Even if he fails to score, he will use the criticism of others to improve himself. While people want to see him fail, he will use criticism as a motivating force. After all, people want to put you down even if you’re successful.
While Juventus changed coaches and systems frequently, Ronaldo’s desire to be successful always dominated. He played with Benzema at Real Madrid, Mandzukic at Juve and a returning Gonzalo Higuain. Juve’s desire to succeed always remained strong, and the Portuguese superstar threw everything he could at the wall to find what worked.
Despite his poor financial status, Ronaldo never shied away from playing soccer. He spent his childhood living on a tiny island in Portugal. He did not have a great deal of time to practice his game, but he made up his mind to become the best in the world. As a result, he was crowned the world’s best soccer player at the age of 11.
Messi’s left-footedness
Throughout his career, Messi has been compared to Cristiano Ronaldo for his style of play and ability to orchestrate attacking plays to create goal-scoring opportunities. His trademark goal celebration involves blessing himself and pointing his fingers to the sky. This celebration first appeared in the video game FIFA 14.
The debate surrounding Messi’s left-footed foot is a common one, and some observers question whether he will continue playing football into his late 30s. Ronaldinho, the former Brazilian international, played on the left side for Barcelona and was considered to be the best player in the world at the time. He was known for roaming the pitch and joined up with Deco inside the Barcelona defence, where he provided assists and often broke attacks.
After a successful international career, Messi has recently returned to international football. He captained Argentina at the 2018 World Cup, a massive disappointment for many. After a short break, he was a crucial part of the Barcelona team in the 2018/19 season and has already scored 15 goals in 26 league games. His right-footedness has also been a topic of debate.
In 2008-09, Messi was the center of Barcelona’s attack. He smashed the ball with aplomb and drew many assists from open play. He also completed 6.27 attempts per game. He took more shots than the average player, which is good considering his age. His xG/shot was 0.15. It was his long-range shooting that proved to be the difference-maker in Barca’s season.
Ronaldo’s fitness
Cristiano Ronaldo is the perfect example of a highly fit footballer who is not afraid to keep playing and breaking records. Even at 36, he is still averaging 0.89 goals per game, despite his age. The Portuguese star’s dedication to fitness and his belief in the importance of rest has helped him continue playing until the age of 40. To keep up his fitness level, Ronaldo focuses on swimming and a rigorous diet.
While it is unknown exactly how much of a physical workout Ronaldo undergoes, his motivation is ironclad. Even as a teenager, he would wake up early to take an ice bath. He trained aggressively to develop into a beast, a trait that helped him remain sharp despite his age. As he adapted to different systems, he improved his technique. Originally, he wanted to dribble past defenders with trickery. However, under Sir Alex Ferguson, he became more effective on the left wing.
Although many footballers have a limited amount of time to maintain their fitness, the Portuguese superstar is one of the world’s most prolific scorers. A recent report found that Ronaldo spends PS50,000 on gym equipment, which he uses at home. It was also discovered that he does not drink alcohol and follows a strict diet. However, his physical fitness is undoubtedly the main reason for his impressive longevity.
Although there is no evidence to suggest that the Portuguese forward will reach his peak at 40, he has been scoring in Europe for years and has won a La Liga title. That is quite a feat for a player who has fought the ravages of aging, as the oldest player is kazoyoshi miura, who is 56. This feat is not only impressive, but it also shows that Ronaldo’s physical condition has never been compromised.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s future
The speculation surrounding Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s future isn’t new. After all, the Swedish midfielder is already 40 years old. His career has spanned four continents, having played for Inter, Juventus, Barcelona, Manchester United, and AC Milan. But is the world’s most expensive player still in his prime? Will he retire at the end of the season or stay in Europe?
Last season, the Milan star expressed interest in playing for his country during the World Cup. Though he had previously said he would not be returning to the national team, he is likely to be involved in two World Cup qualifiers and a friendly against Estonia. Although he may not have a clear idea of how he will perform in such a demanding environment, he has already made several comments about his future.
There are several theories circulating about the Swedish forward’s future. One theory is that he may become an agent after his football career ends. Ibrahimovic recently purchased 50% of the shares of Hammarby’s owners, the Anschutz Entertainment Group. A source with knowledge of the situation told Marca that it is not true. The rumor is unconfirmed, but it is possible that he could be a new face for the club.
While there are many theories as to why the world’s most expensive midfielder would leave Manchester City, one theory is that it is due to his indiscretions. During the World Cup, Ibrahimovic was banned for three matches after punching an opponent. Then, after a loss to LAFC in the playoffs, the striker also turned on a LAFC fan, grabbed his crotch, and stared at him for a few seconds. This resulted in a ban from the Champions League and two games in Serie A. In France, Ibrahimovic was named the Player of the Year for 2014, but he is not the only one in the spotlight.
Ronaldo’s desire to hang up his boots before 40
Cristiano Ronaldo has decided to hang up his football boots before he turns 40, a few months earlier than his original plan. The Portuguese international had been due to retire at the end of the 2011 season, but he decided to stay on and captained Corinthians in the Copa Liberatadores final, losing to Deportes Tolima of Colombia. Although his desire to hang up his boots before 40 is understandable, he also wants to take up a coaching role at Manchester United when he retires.
With 450 goals in 438 matches, Ronaldo has surpassed the 400-goal mark and is still very much in his prime. Nevertheless, the Portuguese has been criticised for his lack of contribution off the ball. Ronaldo made his professional debut with Sporting Lisbon at the age of 17 and has clocked up 700 goals for club and country. Considering that Ronaldo is still in superb shape, he could still deliver for many more years, and he could play wherever he likes.
Cristiano Ronaldo is a legend. He won five European Championships with Portugal and has won nearly everything. However, it has also been reported that he is not willing to play much longer. He is already 36 years old, but the former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich star has made no indication of hanging up his football boots yet. This has left fans and critics wondering if he is ready to call it a day after he turns 40.
Although many have doubted his longevity, the Portuguese international has maintained a phenomenal physical standard and is confident that he will still have plenty of years to play. At 36 years old, he is still a potential World Cup qualifier and has a one-year extension clause in his contract with Manchester United. Even if he does decide to hang up his boots before 40, he will be a model athlete.
When it comes to natural talent, Messi is clearly the better option. His ability to dribble and pass with the precision of a brain surgeon has led him to be considered the best in the world. His eye-popping moves and precision passing allow him to weave through his opponent’s defense and put the ball past the goalkeeper. But there’s a bigger question that we should ask: Which player ages better? Both Messi and Ronaldo are talented athletes, but who will play longer?
Messi is two years younger than Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are the two most iconic soccer players in the world. They have played against each other on the pitch for 15 years, but their rivalry extends further than just soccer. Ronaldo was born in February 1985, while Messi was born on June 24, 1987. The two have similar stats and have played in a few of the same leagues. Both have over 100 goals for their national teams, and both have won the Champions League. They both have two sons, Thiago and Cristiano Jr.
The Argentines have a heavy forward line and a light midfield. Although Messi is two years younger than Ronaldo, Argentina’s current squad is dominated by forward players. If Messi and Ronaldo fall short, Argentina may have to wait until 2022 to see a successor. While the competition between Messi and Ronaldo has been fierce, the youngster’s time in the Premier League is still far from over.
Ronaldo is the more experienced and successful of the two. Ronaldo started his adult career with Sporting CP, and then signed with Manchester United in 2003. He won the FA Cup with Manchester United in 2003, and has been captain of the Portuguese national team since then. Ronaldo joined Real Madrid in 2009, while Messi played for FC Barcelona junior teams from 2000 to 2003. He played for the FC Barcelona C team on November 29, 2003, and joined the main team in 2004.
Ronaldo is 3.5 years older than Lewandowski
It is a common misconception that Cristiano Ronaldo is more experienced and better than Robert Lewandowski. But in reality, both players have similar age and physical attributes. Lewandowski, who is 3.5 years older than Ronaldo, has been at Bayern Munich since 2014 and has scored a total of 226 goals in 239 games. But Lewandowski is a more careful fitness enthusiast. And while his age is not a disadvantage for him, he does think that Ronaldo will surpass him in the goalscoring department when he is the same age.
Although Lewandowski is older, he has the advantage of playing in more than one league. Lewandowski has played in more than one country and speaks multiple languages, while Messi has never played outside of his native country. The latter is a great asset to the team when he is in peak form. Furthermore, Ronaldo has changed clubs several times, while Messi has remained at one club for the majority of his career.
Barca continue to chase Lewandowski despite Bayern’s insistence that they cannot sell the striker. However, Barca do not have the money to overpay for Lewandowski. The German giants want EUR60 million before they start the negotiations. If Barca cannot get the deal done, they might go in another direction. But if this does not work, they may be forced to sell Lewandowski.
Messi is more of an executor than Ronaldo
Both Messi and Ronaldo can score goals, but Messi has a better weak leg than Ronaldo. While Ronaldo is better at headers and scoring from set pieces, Messi is the better playmaker. While Messi is good at free kicks, he has not dribbled as well as Ronaldo. He is not as showy, either, which is a big negative in his favor.
While both Messi and Ronaldo are excellent scorers, the Barcelona attacker is an even better team player. His vision and leadership improves the players around him. He can spot open spaces and pass the ball to a teammate to start an assault. While Ronaldo plays higher in the football field, Messi has the confidence to play deep. Both players have great tactical intelligence, but Messi uses his vision to keep teammates involved.
While Ronaldo is more versatile, Messi is a better dribbler. Ronaldo plays high up the field and scores great goals when given the opportunity. Messi drops deep and is comfortable keeping possession of the ball for his team. He also is better at dribbling than Neymar. He has a higher success rate of successful passes at 62%, whereas Hazard has a lower success rate of 44%.
Ronaldo has won all nine Ballon d’Or Awards
The most recent award goes to Cristiano Ronaldo, who has won all nine Ballon d’or Awards in a row. He was the only player to win a Ballon d’Or in successive years. Ronaldo was nominated twice in the same month, but the votes were conducted in a different format. Ronaldo’s first award came in 2011 when he tied with Barcelona’s Lionel Messi for the Golden Boot. Moreover, his second award was won in 2013, narrowly beating France’s Franck Ribery. This year’s voting was extended by two weeks to include the 2014 World Cup playoffs.
The Portuguese national team won the Euro 2016 tournament, and Ronaldo was instrumental in that victory. His Euro 2016 triumph with Portugal was something that would last a lifetime, according to his teammate Cedric. In addition, he was named one of the Gay Times’ Sexiest Men of the Year in 2009. Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract with Real Madrid was renewed for another two years in 2019, which will keep him in Spain until he is 36. Cristiano Ronaldo has won five Globe Soccer Awards, and the Leyenda prize given by Marca to the greatest sporting icons of all time.
After a stunning 2012, Ronaldo continued to impress in 2016. The Portuguese captain led Real Madrid to the UEFA Champions League title and the La Liga title. He was also the top scorer in the European competitions with 12 goals in 46 appearances. He scored five goals against Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals, including a stunning double in extra time. Cristiano Ronaldo has won all nine Ballon d’Or Awards in three different categories.
Messi is more of a goal scorer than Ronaldo
Although Ronaldo is a better goal scorer, Messi has more career goals than his rival. While Messi has two more seasons in the league, the Portuguese star has scored more goals. Both players have scored over six hundred goals in club football, and their five golden seasons proved particularly fruitful. Here are a few stats that will help you decide which player is better at scoring goals.
Ronaldo is better at scoring goals and plays higher up the field than Messi, although the former is more prolific in his scoring. Ronaldo has the advantage in physical ability, having won more IFFHS top scorer awards and the Champions League top scorer award. But Messi has the edge in creativity and is more likely to create chances with his vision. And even though Ronaldo has the edge in strength, speed and power, his reputation as a team player means that he rarely holds the ball longer than necessary. The difference in goal scoring abilities is evident in the assists counts.
Both players possess an incredible natural talent. Messi is a virtuoso and magician who dribbles the ball like a pro and passes it with precision and power. His dribbling ability alone is worth a million words and is widely considered the best in the game. Similarly, Ronaldo is a great passer of the ball, but his goal scoring ability is the difference between the two.
Messi has scored more goals
This season, Messi has scored eight goals from outside the box – more than any other player and club in Europe. His eight goals this season is one more than the number of such goals scored by Ronaldo in the same period. Messi is tied with Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Liverpool, while Ronaldo has scored seven from outside the box in the same period. While there are several factors that could have contributed to Messi’s success this season, here are some of them:
First of all, Messi’s goal total is higher than any other player in the top five European leagues. Messi’s goals have also increased in frequency of scoring. Since 2008/09, he has scored more goals than any other player. Despite his age, he has managed to maintain his record of scoring goals in every competition since. In addition to scoring more goals than his peers, he also plays in a number of different positions. He can score from all parts of the pitch and create goals that others do not see. As a result, he has been rewarded with the FIFA ‘The Best’ award earlier this month.
During the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Messi became the youngest player to score five goals in one game. This goal made him the first player in Argentine national team history to score five goals in a single game. His hat-trick against Bolivia in 2006 set a new world record. The Argentinian forward has scored more goals in international matches than any other player in history, and he is now just four behind Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi has played in more Champions League finals
Cristiano Ronaldo has won five Champions League titles, but Lionel Messi has four. While the World Cup is still the biggest trophy in football, the Champions League is regarded as the pinnacle of the game. Despite his lackluster play in the first half of the season, Messi has scored four goals in Champions League finals, two of them in extra-time. The Argentine also has a better goal scoring record in Champions League finals, having scored two goals against Liverpool in 2018.
His Champions League final record is 100%. He’s scored in all three finals he’s played in. However, he didn’t score in the last one he played in. He’s played in more Champions League finals than any other player. While Ronaldo has won the title four times and is the most active player in the competition, Messi has played in more finals. In fact, he has been in more finals than any other player in the history of the competition.
Messi’s career is littered with defining moments. His second goal in the 2008-09 final against Manchester United has become one of the greatest goals in Champions League history. In the 2010-11 final against Manchester United, Messi rose to head a cross from Xavi from the corner of the net. The goal was one of the most iconic goals of the last decade. Despite his lackluster start in his career, Messi’s dazzling performances have helped Barcelona win their fourth Champions League title in five years.
