For some years there have been debates on who is the best player in the world. There have always been two options, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Some value Ronaldo's trickery and blistering pace, while others adore Messi’s close dribbling and his slit second decision making.


In all fairness, both are exciting and decisive in winning matches, but is there one player above that is consistently proving this on the big stage? Yes there is, his name is Messi.


According to our statistics, Messi has a ratio of 1.2 goals per match against the top 4 teams in La Liga. In the Champions League there is no comparisons, he has been the top scorer of the competition for 2 years running, and no one can forget the 4 goals he shipped against Arsenal in the 2010 campaign.


 

Ronaldo impresses more against the weaker teams, and also has more chances from set pieces, as he is the automatic first choice to take them. His average of 1.5 goals in La Liga is phenomenal. During big matches, mainly El Clasico, Ronaldo has a horrible turnover rate of 2.3 and unsuccessful dribbles of 3. Messi on the other hand does not lose the ball, and that is statistically the truth.


Its fair to say that if Messi were not around, Ronaldo would easily be considered the best player in the world. Unfortunately for him, Messi is very much around, and is also a whole 3 years younger. Forza Messi!

 

Messi Does it Best, Against the Best