Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Lionel Messi: What Your Personal Preference Says About You

When Pele speaks, people listen. They rush to click the Facebook "share" button that line stories in which the Brazilian legend is interviewed, and tweet about his latest observation or musing about the world of football.

It's the kind of respect that comes from being widely regarded as the one of—if not the—greatest to ever play the beautiful game.

So when the three-time World Cup winner (the only player in history who possesses that distinction) gives his opinion on the best player in world football today, his words carry some significant weight.

Lionel Messi, the indomitable Argentine, has received (again) Pele's crown as the top player in the world, ESPN Soccernet reported in an interview with the Brazilian icon.

"Today there is no doubt Messi, he is the best player today," Pele said. "I don't see any player who is better."

It is high praise for the Barcelona star but difficult to argue. Messi has won the last two FIFA Player of the Year awards and has climbed to second on the Barcelona all-time scoring list this season. He now trails only Cesar Rodriguez, Graham Hunter reported, whose 235 goals from 1942-55 remain top for the Catalan club.

Messi, who as of Oct. 19 had 196 career strikes, is closing in on that number. Did I mention he's only 24 years old?

Despite the numerous plaudits earned by Messi, there is another man currently playing in Spain who might take umbrage at idea of Messi's designation as the top player on the planet.

Cristiano Ronaldo has never been one to hide his boisterous bravado. In response to questions posed about the hostile reception the Real Madrid striker had received from Dinamo Zagreb fans during a Sept. 14 Champions League match, he famously stated in Sports Illustrated the reason for the hostility was:

"

Because I am rich, handsome and a great player, people are envious of me. I don't have any other explanation.

"

One would never expect to see the same words uttered from the reserved Messi, who, taiseux dans la vie (quiet off the pitch) has often elected to let his play do the talking. And to his credit, his displays on the pitch are of the consistently raucous variety.

But that's some of the beauty of watching these two players; namely because they are so different.

Ronaldo may attract a different following than those who worship the "Messi-ah", but no matter your personal preference, you have to respect both.

They have both been at the forefront of worldwide footballing revolutions—Ronaldo with his often inimitable style, and Messi as the beacon within a well-polished and highly charged Barcelona engine. Barca has steamrolled its competition over the past three seasons, the most scintillating of which was the year 2009, when they became the first club in history to ever achieve the sextuple.

Ronaldo and Messi are fire and ice (a reference to their wildly different demeanors). But they have cemented their stature as the two greatest players on the planet today.

Wayne Rooney attempted to bridge the gap in 2009-10 between Ronaldo, Messi, and everyone else, when the Manchester United star was simply sensational for his club, scoring 34 goals in 42 appearances, all competitions combined.

While the Mancunian icon's class certainly never faded, the tabloid frenzy over his contract wrangling last October, as reported by the Daily Record, coincided with a precipitous dip in form.

Until, of course, that transcendental overhead kick against Manchester City in late 2010, which I feel should become the iconic image for EPL football, much as Jerry West's dribbling pose has remained the NBA's logo for years now.

That strike included, Rooney has since recovered and is off to a stellar start in 2011-12 (nine goals in eight Premier League matches), but it is fair to say that he has failed to hit the same heights as his two world-renowned contemporaries, who have been setting La Liga ablaze for over two seasons now. (Ronaldo only moved from United to Madrid in Summer 2009.)

There are kids, perhaps, who recognize in Messi's difficult beginnings (he was diagnosed with a growth impediment as a boy in Argentina), which required years of strenuous and taxing treatment, the level of dedication inherent in many success stories.

Like so many who are subjected to difficulties in their youth, Messi came out all the stronger because of it.

As he quipped in the Adidas commercial, he developed a spectacular sense of ball control as a boy because of his short stature. While other kids may have elected to boot the ball a ways and charge after it, Messi was tasked with finding different ways to thrive in order to adapt to his surroundings.

And that forced ingenuity—to actively search for ways he could thrive against "tall" odds—has allowed him to become one of the most talked-about players in the history of the game, while developing a style and a remarkable level of consistency all his own.

Ronaldo wasn't born with a silver spoon either, but thanks to a demonic work ethic that could rival any other in the world, he has to be credited with his remarkable improvement as a footballer when he first surfaced on the professional scene with Sporting Portugal.

The prodigy elected not to rest on his innate gifts, but instead work tirelessly to make them flourish.

Pundits, who once pointed out that while Ronaldo provided excellent goal-scoring returns during his early 20s (his 42 goals for Manchester United in 2008-09 amounted to a season of excellence), said his assist production often left them looking for something more.

That's not to say he never posted impressive numbers—in 2006-07, he compiled 20 assists in all competitions for United.

That was his only season where he manged above 10 assists for the Red Devils. Although one could make the argument that distribution wasn't exactly the area of play Sir Alex Ferguson demanded his star to excel.

Needless to say, if there were holes in Ronaldo's game, he has worked tirelessly to shore them up. An ITV color commentator referenced Ronaldo's improved passing game during Real Madrid's 4-0 Champions League demolition of Olympique Lyonnais last Tuesday.

Ronaldo somehow found room for 14 assists with Madrid in 2010-11 to couple with his astounding tally of 53 (!) goals in all competitions. And just two months into 2011-12, he has already added seven assists to go with 12 goals.

But apart from both men's production (Messi is certainly no slouch, as his 50 goals in all competitions during 2010-11 can attest), they have become something else entirely, which sets them apart from so many other players. They are global icons, and are influencing the game in nooks and crannies around the globe.

They are inherently different players. At 6'1", physicality is a crucial aspect of Ronaldo's game, while the 5'6"-listed Messi often elects for a more grounded approach.

As brilliant as the Portuguese is at taking on players with his delectable array of dribbling prowess and clinical finishing, he also is an excellent header of the ball. He is forced to display a ruggedness on the wings in both domestic and continental play, where he showcases a rare blend of balance and positioning.

While Messi's header against Manchester United in the '09 Champions League final remains one of the most iconic images of recent years, a strong aerial prowess would never be the first attribute referenced by scouts when compiling a list of his amazing capabilities.

Instead, guile is the word I feel most accurately describes Messi's brilliance. His technical skill set is astounding, and his ability to break down defenses with his superb winding dribbling often sends defenders into a tizzy.

There are only a few who can do what he does, and even fewer (if any) who can do it on such a consistent basis. Genius never seems like a hyperbolic stretch of language when speaking of Messi's splendid gests—or Ronaldo's, for that matter.

Their styles are as different as the sporting brands—Ronaldo is sponsored by Nike, Messi by Adidas. Both brands made the players the focal points of their footwear campaigns, hence, the added global recognition.

Ronaldo has long been the face of the Mercurial Vapor series, and Messi now has become the icon of the Three Stripes brand's burgeoning F50 Adizero line.

One glance at the popularity of either boot (they are everywhere these days) tells you that even if professionals don't wear them to "be like Messi/Ronaldo", you can bet that kids might.

Perhaps the impact exerted by both men is best represented on football fields around the world, where you're liable to witness kids with gelled-up hair launching upon breathtaking runs down the flanks in vintage Ronaldo fashion.

Their step-overs are almost as ubiquitous as the strands of grass beneath their rapidly shifting feet; their run-ups on free kicks mirror the Portuguese's stop-shuffle technique; their shots cannon with knuckle-balled effect.

Or perhaps you watch a youngster who might not possess indomitable pace, but instead beguiles opponents with a furious blend of quickness, brilliance of vision, and recognition. He sends defenders reeling with his wily touches and perfect awareness of the most opportune moments to utilize his deceptive pace, pushing into dangerous areas before dancing past would-be tacklers on his way to a cool finish.

The choice of a favorite player is a seminal moment for a child. Your decision means you ascribe to the attributes that first attracted you to a player—thus, it is only natural that you attempt to imitate their style when you head out to the pitch.

It's an homage of sorts, and for those who reference Ronaldo or Messi during games, practices, and individual sessions, it is a truly wondrous thing to watch. Their styles might be different but then, so are the kids attempting to mirror their brilliance.