New Delhi: The Ballon d’Or has been synonymous with two legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for the past two decades. Between them, they have monopolized the award turning what was once a competition between the best footballers in the world into a personal rivalry that transcended the sport. Their incredible feats, consistency, and commitment to excellence not only transformed the game but also cemented their legacy as two of the greatest players ever.
The genesis of rivalry
The rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo began in earnest during the late 2000s. While the Ballon d’Or had been awarded since 1956, the Messi-Ronaldo duopoly took shape in 2008. Cristiano Ronaldo won his first Ballon d’Or with Manchester United following an extraordinary season where he scored 42 goals in all competitions and helped United clinch both the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.
Lionel Messi the emerging force at Barcelona won his first Ballon d’Or in 2009. The Argentine maestro dazzled the world with his dribbling, playmaking, and goal-scoring prowess leading Barcelona to a historic treble including the Champions League title. This was the start of an era where the award would belong almost exclusively to these two for the next 13 years.
Lionel Messi has achieved glory 8 times (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, and 2023) while Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed it 5 times (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017).
Messi’s dominance in the award was particularly evident from 2009 to 2012, during which he won four consecutive Ballon d’Ors. A record that still stands. His 8th Ballon d’Or came in 2023 following his exceptional performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup where he led Argentina to victory further solidified his status.
Ronaldo, on the other hand, had his most dominant period between 2013 and 2017 when he won four Ballon d’Ors in five years. His ability to deliver in high-stakes matches, particularly in the Champions League played a key role in Real Madrid’s unprecedented three championships from 2016 to 2018 and elevated him to new heights.
While Messi is known for his playmaking abilities and creative influence on the pitch, Ronaldo’s goal-scoring prowess, aerial dominance, and physical attributes make him an extraordinary athlete. The fact that both players have redefined what longevity looks like in football is a testament to their work ethic and professionalism.
Lionel Messi’s peak: The Guardiola era (2009–2012)
Under Pep Guardiola, Messi played his most fluid and creative football, becoming the central figure in Barcelona’s famed “tiki-taka” system. During this period, Messi scored an astonishing 73 goals in the 2011-2012 season, breaking Gerd Müller’s long-standing record for most goals in a calendar year with 91 goals in 2012.
Messi’s influence was not just in front of goal. His ability to drop deep, orchestrate attacks, and create chances for his teammates made him the ultimate footballing playmaker. His four consecutive Ballon d’Ors during this time are a reflection of his near-untouchable status in world football.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s peak: The Real Madrid glory years (2013–2018)
Ronaldo’s evolution into an unstoppable goalscoring machine reached its zenith at Real Madrid, particularly between 2013 and 2018. Known for his athleticism, speed, and deadly finishing, Ronaldo thrived on the big stage, especially in the Champions League where he holds the record for most goals scored (140). His five Ballon d’Ors came largely during this period as he led Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles from 2016 to 2018.
Ronaldo’s 17 goals in the 2013-14 Champions League campaign remain a record for a single season. His remarkable performances in the knockout stages of the tournament earned him the title “Mr. Champions League.”
International Success
For many years international success was the one area where neither player had triumphed significantly. However, this changed in the 2010s.
In 2016, Cristiano Ronaldo led Portugal to their first major international trophy by winning the UEFA European Championship. He followed that with the UEFA Nations League triumph in 2019. His leadership and determination were critical in Portugal’s success despite suffering an injury in the Euro 2016 final.
Messi’s international career came full circle in 202, when he finally won the Copa America with Argentina, ending a 28-year trophy drought for the nation. He topped this achievement by leading Argentina to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar securing the one major title that had eluded him and delivering an unforgettable performance throughout the tournament.
Legacy beyond the Ballon d’Or
Beyond the Ballon d’Or wins Messi and Ronaldo have redefined football’s limits. Their influence on the sport extends far beyond personal accolades. Messi is often praised for his innate football intelligence, technical prowess, and ability to orchestrate play. Ronaldo is revered for his work ethic, goal-scoring ability, and physical conditioning, which have allowed him to maintain peak performance into his late 30s.
While both players are now in the twilight of their careers Ronaldo playing in Saudi Arabia for Al Nassr, and Messi has moved to MLS with Inter Miami but their impact on football is immortal. They have inspired generations of players, set new benchmarks in the sport, and turned the Ballon d’Or into a two-horse race for the better part of two decades.
The Greatest rivalry ever?
The Messi-Ronaldo rivalry transcended football and became a global spectacle. Fans, pundits, and players alike have been drawn into the debate of who is better. Yet perhaps the greatest takeaway from their dominance is not who was better but how lucky we are to have witnessed two of the greatest players of all time competing simultaneously.
Their era of Ballon d’Or domination may eventually give way to new stars but Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have forever etched their names in football’s annals. The 13 Ballon d’Ors between them are more than just accolades as they represent a golden era in football history, driven by two once-in-a-lifetime talents.
For the first time in the last 21 years, neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo are on the Ballon d’Or nominee list marking the end of their two-decade domination. Their absence signifies a new era with young talent taking center stage but before that let’s take a closer look at their era. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
