This World Cup has reignited the evergreen Ronaldo-Messi debate

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 18: Lionel Messi of Argentina shakes hands with Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal prior to the International Friendly match between Argentina and Portugal at Old Trafford on November 18, 2014 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 18: Lionel Messi of Argentina shakes hands with Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal prior to the International Friendly match between Argentina and Portugal at Old Trafford on November 18, 2014 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /
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Who really is the ultimate greatest of all time?

Ronaldo’s relentless craving for silverware and Messi’s awe-inspiring ingenuity has sparked a roaring debate. Who is the world’s indisputable best player? But there is nothing but dispute about the argument.

The determination of both players, often driven by each other, is based upon a burning mantra – ‘whatever you can do I can do better’. It certainly makes for some cracking football, and moments fans and players alike can savour.

The World Cup thus far adds a fresh twist to said debate, and magician Messi is surprisingly under the cosh.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s sublime hat-trick accentuated by his notorious chin-stroke celebration, in Portugal’s opening game, was mesmerising.

He then propelled his name into lights for a second time this World Cup, soaring to meet a cross and power a header beyond the Morocco goalkeeper, a finish ultimately proving the difference and sending the north Africans home.

Meanwhile it has been a far less memorable tournament for Lionel Messi.

Argentina’s staggering downfall can be traced back to his penalty miss against Iceland. Since then La Albiceleste have been humbled by Croatia, and are now on the brink of crashing out at the group stage in what would be one of the real World Cup shocks.

Though he was largely anonymous against the Croatians, the most devout of Messi followers will have pointed to the lack of quality around him. But the way his Portuguese counterpart Ronaldo has made the tournament his own, only suggests the Barcelona man is underperforming.

Superstars’ performances reflected by their nations

If it wasn’t brought into sharp enough focus, the difference between Ronaldo and Messi so far in this World Cup has been exemplified by the way Portugal and Argentina are faring.

The Selecao were on the back foot for much of their opener against Spain. But who came out of the traps to rescue them from defeat – you can guess.

Ronaldo’s presence has spurred Portugal on and off the pitch. A captain and leader, the team can rely on him and having a luminary of such magnitude has gone to lengths in defining Portugal’s tournament so far.

More from World Cup

Messi, on the other hand, has hardly been more than an unnoticeable cog in a poorly maintained Argentina machine. In fact, his influence has been painted in the worst possible light, with his spurned spot kick perhaps a pivotal moment.

He was expected to have a lasting impact, however it hasn’t happened yet.

Argentina, in the pre-tournament selected group of death, are staring down the barrel of a first group stage exit since 2002.

If the draw to minnows Iceland wasn’t bad enough, a national humiliation at the hands of Croatia has drummed them further into the ground. Lionel Messi included.

His frustration has been as notable as any other Argentina player. And it doesn’t look to be getting any better, as a must-win against Nigeria is no less significant than a last chance saloon.

Ronaldo and co. are far from that desperate situation, and he aims to be the man to seal Portugal’s passage into the knockouts.

It is a shame to see such stark disparity between the two world-beating stars, but the beauty of Lionel Messi is that he is sure to come back even stronger.

Where will it go from here?

Portugal aren’t through just yet. They need a point against third-place Iran, which is a task somewhat more difficult that originally thought.

Argentina, on the other hand, will be desperate for Lionel Messi to emerge to the fore and complete what would be a miraculous climb into the top two.

If ever La Albiceleste needed a hero, it is now. It is unlikely, despite their stature, that they will go through, however they need to produce.

Messi has been no more than a shadow – peculiar at what might be his final World Cup – but there is still time.

Ronaldo can only hope to continue in the same vein, and right now he is on the elevated pedestal of stardom.

Next: Three clubs who should chase Jerome Boateng

Something suggests we are far from the end of this debate…