Cristiano Ronaldo's legendary career surpasses that of rival Lionel Messi, according to a survey of footballers and former footballers. The two world superstars have been the subject of comparisons by football fans for the better part of two decades.
Messi, 35, has won more individual awards, winning the Ballon d'Or seven times compared to Cristiano Ronaldo's five.
But two-thirds of a group of footballers think five-time Champions League winner Ronaldo, 37, has had a better career than his Argentinian opponent.
In a poll conducted by The Athletic, 66 percent of former players polled chose Ronaldo when asked which of the two had the better career.
This statistic can be derived from Ronaldo's stints at multiple clubs throughout his career – an area in which he outperforms Messi.
The Portuguese champion has enjoyed two periods at Manchester United, a historic period with Real Madrid and won trophies with Juventus, without forgetting his humble beginnings at Sporting Lisbon.
Messi, meanwhile, remained loyal to Barcelona until the summer of 2021 when he joined French champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Ronaldo and Messi's rivalry has ignited La Liga for the better part of 12 years - something the latter looks back on with great fondness.
After winning the Ballon d'Or for the seventh time, Messi said: "I always wanted to improve myself, not to look at what others were doing.
There was competition with Cristiano Ronaldo as we were in the same championship for several years. This was great and helped us grow in our careers. I just wanted to be the best I could be.
I've never said I'm the best in history and I try not to think about it. To be considered one of the best is enough and something I would never have imagined."