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66 per cent of former footballers believe Ronaldo has had a better career than Messi

66 per cent of former footballers believe Ronaldo has had a better career than Messi

Two-thirds of former players believe Ronaldo has had a better career than Messi.

A fascinating survey shows two-thirds of former footballers believe Cristiano Ronaldo has had a better career than Lionel Messi.

Ronaldo and Messi have been subjected to fierce debate over their legendary playing careers, raging on for almost 15 years.

But a poll produced by The Athletic seems to suggest ex-pros think Ronaldo has had a better career.

A massive 66 per cent of former players sided with the Portuguese superstar when asked to pick between him and the Argentine ace.

Of course, Ronaldo has dominated THREE different leagues, having won league titles in England, Spain and Italy with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus respectively.

He's been ultra-prolific wherever he has plied his trade, scoring goals at an alarming rate.

Image: The Athletic
Image: The Athletic

Whereas Messi has enjoyed the best part of his illustrious career in Spain with Barcelona, before a short spell with Paris Saint-Germain.

But the Inter Miami star boasts a superior individual accolades record, having won an unprecedented seven Ballon d'Or titles compared to the Man United forward's five Ballon d'Or titles.

The Ronaldo vs. Messi debate continues to spark debate as Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher and former Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld recently weighed in.

Carragher called Messi the 'greatest' player to ever play football and hopes Argentina can win the World Cup so that he can cement his legacy as the 'greatest'.

He said: "I would love nothing more than in Qatar for Argentina and Lionel Messi to win the World Cup.

"Just to cement him, where I see him - but in everybody's eyes, as the greatest player to have ever played the game."

Cristinao Ronaldo and Lionel Messi embrace before a Champions League meeting. Image: Alamy
Cristinao Ronaldo and Lionel Messi embrace before a Champions League meeting. Image: Alamy

As for Alderweireld, he opted for Messi, having played with both global talents.

"Yeah, I played against Ronaldo many times. Of course, his numbers don’t lie, but Messi was the best, because he is simply elusive," he revealed.

"You can’t get hold of him."

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: Football, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi