Who is better? Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi? The two greatest living soccer players not only compete in the same league but for rival squads. Messi has had the edge over the last few years as Barcelona has been the supreme squad in European soccer, but Ronaldo may be having the best year of his career. Every week we will look at which player had the better week and which holds the edge to date for the season. Let us look at what the two superstars accomplished during the fifth week of La Liga.
Last week, they tied, but Messi has a 4-2 lead.
Messi: The Argentine had another strong game against Sevilla with two assists and major contributions on all three goals. But for the second straight week he failed to score. He had his chances but was unable to finish. He has looked good after the criticism of his argument with David Villa, but Barcelona still looks weak. Next week will be a huge game for him as he faces off with his rival.
Ronaldo: The Portuguese and his club had their best game of the season in a 5-1 demolition of Deportivo La Coruña, Ronaldo added three goals in this match, though two of them were freebie penalty shots. He had 7 total shots on goal and had a nice header goal that gave his team a 3-1 lead. But more importantly, he was leader on the pitch and helped create chances for his club. This is the Ronaldo that Real Madrid need on a weekly basis. Also worthy of note, he and Messi now both have six goals on the season.
Stats through Week 6
Messi: 6 goals, 3 assists (2 goals in UCL, 2 goals in Spanish Super Cup)
Ronaldo 6 goals, 0 assists (1 goal in UCL, 2 goals in Spanish Super Cup)
Edge: It is a tough choice because both players were spectacular in their respective matches. And despite the fact that two of the goals were on PKs, a goal is a goal and Ronaldo had 3. Messi had 0 and barely won his match. Ronaldo takes the win in Week 6, but Messi still leads 4-3.