Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Cesc Fabregas – Who’s Best

Although there are other great midfielders/attacking forwards in the game (Juan Riquelme and Kaka spring to mind), there can be no denying that the three players being compared here offer the most exciting prospects for both their domestic teams and soccer in general.

Although Cristiano Ronaldo is causing a lot of heated debate at the moment regarding his potential transfer to Real Madrid, it can’t be denied that he was arguably Manchester United’s star player last season.

However, Cesc Fabregas was just as influential for Arsenal, and although Barcelona failed to live up to their high standards last season, Lionel Messi was the one shining light in an otherwise disappointing campaign.

So who is the best of these three young and extremely talented players? 

Goals

Although not really classed as out-and-out strikers, each player has contributed a healthy amount of goals for their sides. Each total is from league, cup and European competition games combined: 

• Cristiano Ronaldo – 97 from 269 appearances
   
• Lionel Messi – 42 goals from 110 appearances
   
• Cesc Fabregas – 26 from 198 appearances 

On paper, then, Messi comes out on top, with a goal in almost every other game, compared to Ronaldo’s 1-in-3 average and Fabregas’ low total.

In fairness, the departure of Thierry Henry has opened the door for Fabregas to be more prolific, as was shown last year when he scored 13 goals in 45 appearances, with 24 assists.

So, round one to Messi. 

Career Achievements

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