Cristiano Ronaldo's record compared to Lionel Messi at 21 emerges and makes fascinating reading

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi's records at just 21 years old have been compared and it's seriously interesting.

Ever since they each burst onto the scene over two decades ago, it has been clear that both Ronaldo and Messi were special players who could go on to achieve great things.

Throughout their entire career, the two star players have been compared with each other, with many fans considering them to be the two greatest football players of all time.

After decades of competing at the top of the sport, Messi has a record eight Ballon d'Or awards, only ahead of Ronaldo who boasts five, showing how much they have dominated the sport in recent years.

But how did the two compare when they were just starting their journey as the best to ever do it?

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have compared to each other throughout their entire careers. (Image: Getty)

As he turned 21 on the 5th of February 2008, Ronaldo was enjoying playing under legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson for Manchester United.

Between his 21st and 22nd birthdays, the Portuguese striker had a fantastic year, helping lead his side to what ended up being their first of three consecutive Premier League titles.

In this time, he scored 26 goals and assisted 12 across 60 appearances for both club and country.

While playing for Portugal, Ronaldo was part of the squad in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, where they finished fourth after losing a third-place play-off match to hosts Germany.

Lionel Messi enjoyed a breakout year between his 21st and 22nd birthdays. (Image: Getty)

Nearly two years later, as Messi celebrated his 21st birthday on the 24th June 2008, he was about to enjoy one of the best seasons of his entire career.

The 2008/09 season for Messi is viewed by many as his first big breakout season and, like Ronaldo, between his 21st and 22nd birthdays he made 60 appearances for both club, Barcelona, and country, Argentina.

However, unlike his rival, Messi scored an incredible 41 goals and assisted 19, taking his overall goal and assist tally to one in every 1.2 matches.

In this year, the Argentinian was also a key part of the Barcelona squad that won a treble of both La Liga, the Cope del Rey and the Champions League.

While representing his country, Messi also took home a gold medal in the men's football event of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China.