.png)
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are two of the greatest soccer players of all time, and they have both had a profound impact on the game.
Both players have won numerous individual awards and have broken countless records throughout their careers. However, the debate as to who is more influential continues to rage on.
Currently, Messi is dominating all of the headlines especially with his move to Inter Miami, bringing him to a new market in the USA, land of capitalism and sponsorships, as well as the dominating headlines that come with the news cycle.
related: Leo Messi Turning Down $1.6 Billion to join Inter Miami is Foolish
On the one hand, Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the most talented soccer players in history. He has won the Ballon d'Or award (which is given to the best player in the world) seven times, which is more than any other player in history. Messi is a natural talent who has an incredible ability to control the ball and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. He has been the driving force behind Barcelona's success for over a decade, and has helped lead Argentina to the World Cup final.
related: Most Influential: Messi v Ronaldo
On the other hand, Cristiano Ronaldo is a true athlete and a goal-scoring machine. He has won the Ballon d'Or award five times and has set records for the most goals scored in a single season in both the Premier League and La Liga. Ronaldo is known for his powerful shots and his ability to score from almost anywhere on the field. He has also been a key player for Portugal, leading them to victory in the European Championship in 2016.
So, who is more influential?
It's a tough question to answer definitively. Messi and Ronaldo are both incredible players who have had a massive impact on the game of soccer. However, some argue that Ronaldo's influence goes beyond the field. He is an international icon who has used his platform to advocate for important causes, such as childhood hunger and the fight against Ebola. He is also one of the most marketable athletes in the world, with his image appearing on everything from billboards to video games.
Messi, on the other hand, is known for his humility and his commitment to his team. He rarely speaks out on controversial issues, preferring to let his performances on the field do the talking. However, he is a role model for young soccer players around the world, and his dedication to the sport is second to none. He also doesn't have the same social media presence (although his is massive), he isn't active on twitter and nearly as active in a marketing sense either.
related: Leo Messi Adds Over 100k Instagram Followers Per Day
In the end, it's difficult to say who is more influential. Both Messi and Ronaldo have made an incredible impact on the game of soccer, both on and off the field.
They have inspired generations of players and fans alike, and their legacies will continue to be felt for many years to come. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference - whether you prefer Messi's natural talent or Ronaldo's athleticism, both players are deserving of their place in soccer history.
Right now, Messi's combination of headlines and popularity slightly edges Ronaldo, but this could change in an instant. There's only a handful of people who could enter the conversation.
