CRISTIANO RONALDO vs Lionel Messi is generally considered the greatest rivalry in football history.
For a decade, the duo have kept a stronghold over the Ballon d’Or with the record likely to be five apiece come December.
Moreover, aside from the 2010, Ronaldo and Messi have finished first and second in each season since 2008.
What makes their rivalry so unique is how completely different the pair are.
Aside from the fact they are on opposite side of the historic El Clasico divide — with Ronaldo in the white of Real Madrid and Messi in the blue and red of Barcelona — their personalities are also at opposite ends of the spectrum.
The Portuguese superstar enjoys the public eye and the glamour side of being famous.
While Barcelona’s Argentine maverick has spent his entire career with one club and shuns his celebrity lifestyle — rarely giving interviews.
Their contrast is so strong, it even extends as far as team photos.
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Bizarrely, Ronaldo is always found standing at the top right hand side of Real Madrid’s and Portugal’s team photos.
With Messi crouching on the bottom left for club and country — the complete opposite side.
The duo have redefined what constitutes a good season with record-breaking numbers every year.
There was a time when 30 league goals was considered an incredible achievement.
But Ronaldo has failed to reach that total just twice in eight seasons in La Liga — hitting 26 and 25 in the two ‘failed’ campaigns.
The former Manchester United man hit 48 in the 2015-16 campaign, which is personal best.
And Messi has also hit 30 or more six times in that same period.
His best was a whopping 50 in the 2011-12 campaign.
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