Friday, March 29, 2024

A decade of Ronaldo and Messi

Shaheen Abdulla

A decade has passed since anyone other than Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo won the Ballon d’Or. After Kaka of Brazil won the award in 2007, the competition settled down between them. Even though many sensational players came in between, they couldn’t fight it to the top. Both Messi and Ronald are still at the top of their game shutting down chances to an alternative to win the award. With five Ballon d’Or for each player, football lovers are anxious to know the winner of Ballon d’Or 2018, as it could change the tie between the rivals.

The Portugal boy, found by Sporting CP then adopted by Sir Alex Ferguson, became familiar as the appeared in ‘7’ for Manchester United, The jersey worn by such legendary United players as George Best, Eric Cantona, and David Beckham. The bad boy would show off his freestyle skills in the field and carried many criticisms in the early carrier, but his commitment and hard work gave glory to reds. As he moved to Real Madrid in 2009 for a record transfer, Spanish league became the stage for the classic games of best players in the world. Ronaldo, with his athletic skills and power, dominate the opponent.

Fine-tuned from La Masia and blended with legacies of world football, Messi stands exceptionally from anyone without a doubt and the small man with a ball can create magic so ordinarily. Along with Xavi and Iniesta, a Messi became the ambassador of beautiful football. Masters of Tiki-taka ruled Europe with Pep Guardiola. With incredible dribbling and precise passes Messi compose the attack with ease and spectacular moves.

Both performed their best for both club and nation, Messi was earlier criticised for his contribution to the national team, he replied it on the field. Even a controversial retirement was announced by Messi, withdrawn later, shock the world. Argentina played world up 2014 final against Germany and lose it for a goal (0-1) with Messi’s captaincy and The Portuguese captain led his team to become European champions in 2016.

Most analysts believe that the time has come to move on and focus on new uprising players. The variation in the performance of Messi and Ronald was widely debated earlier this season. The world cup will witness Young talents, waiting to be recognized for their game. Russia will contribute new players who have to replace the front. Even though fans would refuse to accept it, things are about to change after the world cup. Although many comparisons and arguments tried to measure and find the best from them, it never occurred to conclude it. As the players turn to thirties, things will eventually change the game. But without doubts, The Era of Messi and Ronaldo will be remembered and discussed forever

Shaheen Abdulla
Shaheen Abdulla
Shaheen Abdulla, an award-winning journalist, is the Deputy Editor of Maktoob.

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