As much as the two legendary players try to downplay their rivalry, commentators and fans of football always ignite this rivalry by comparing them.
Messi as per football records is acknowledged as a football star, some of the records include:
In 2009-10 season, Messi equalized Ronaldo's record of goals by scoring 47 goals in all football matches.
In 2012, he broke the world record of most goals scored in a year calendar by setting a new Gunness World record of 91 goals, beating the previous record of 85 goals by Gerd Muller.
In 2012/13 season, Messi set a world record of scoring 33 goals in 21 consecutive games.
By February 2014, Messi had scored 343 club goals out of 434 appearances.
His Argentina record stands at 37 goals from 83 appearances. Messi has also made Argentina reach quarterfinals in World cup in the year 2006, 2010 and finals in 2014 where Argentina lost 1-0 to Germany.
This earned him a Ballon d'Or. In 2008 he also won an Olympic gold medal for Argentina.
Here are some of the comments about him by other legendary footballers:
@Christiano Ronaldo in 2011: Messi has his personality and I have mine. He has his game and I have mine. I also play in a big club like him. We different in every aspect. But right now, he is the best.
@Diego Maradona: I have seen who will inherit my place in Argentine football and his name is Messi. Messi is a genius and he can become an even better player, his potential is limitless and I think he's got everything it takes to become Argentina's greatest player.
@Gerd Muller: My record stood for 40 years-85 goals in a year- and now the best player in the world has broken it and I'm delighted for him. He is an incredible player, gigantic.
#hivisasaworldcuphistory