When it comes to football, two names quickly come to mind: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Both of these players have dominated the sport in the past decade and have cemented their place as some of the best players the world has ever seen. However, there is always one question that fans keep asking: who is older, Messi or Ronaldo?
Lionel Messi was born on June 24th, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, making him 33 years old as of 2020. On the other hand, Cristiano Ronaldo was born on February 5th, 1985, in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, making him 35 years old as of 2020. So, Ronaldo is two years older than Messi.
While both players may have started their football careers at a young age, Ronaldo has been a professional player for a longer time than Messi. Ronaldo’s professional debut came in 2002 when he played for Sporting CP. It wasn’t long after that he was signed by Manchester United in 2003, where he spent six years and won three Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League title and one FIFA Club World Cup. In 2009, he was then signed by Real Madrid in a record-breaking transfer fee, and he continued his success there, winning numerous titles and individual accolades.
In contrast, Messi started his professional career with Barcelona in 2004 when he was only 17 years old, and it is where he has spent his entire career thus far. Messi quickly rose to fame with his incredible dribbling skills and his ability to score goals consistently. He has won a plethora of titles with Barcelona, including ten La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues and seven Copa del Rey titles, to name a few. Messi has also been awarded the Ballon d’Or a record six times, proving his dominance in the sport.
While both Messi and Ronaldo have had successful careers and have been consistently compared to each other, they have different playing styles that make them unique. Messi is known for his exceptional dribbling skills, quick movements and excellent finishing ability. He has excellent vision and can create chances for his team members, which has made him an asset to Barcelona.
On the other hand, Ronaldo is known for his physicality, athleticism and powerful shots. His work ethic and fitness have also been praised throughout his career, making him one of the fittest players in the world. His commitment to the sport and his professional attitude towards training and nutrition have helped him maintain a high level of performance throughout his career.
In conclusion, Ronaldo is older than Messi by two years, and he has been a professional footballer for longer than Messi. However, both Messi and Ronaldo have remarkable careers filled with numerous titles and individual awards. While they are often compared to each other, they have different playing styles that make them unique and impressive in their way. It is fair to say that both players have made a significant contribution to the sport, and their legacies will continue to inspire young football players around the world.
Keywords: Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, football, age, professional debut, playing styles, dribbling skills, championships, individual accolades, fitness.