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.
As Latinos Post compares both players, let us look at what the two superstars accomplished during the 19th week of La Liga and like this attempt to determine who displayed better performance.
Messi: The Argentine star did not play in Barcelona's first match of the week, but he was a major contributor in their 3-1 win over Malaga on Sunday. In his first match since being proclaimed the Ballon d'Or winner, "La Pulga" scored the opening goal to help his club take down fourth place Malaga and extend their stranglehold on the top spot of the Spanish League. He also added a pair of assists in the match.
Ronaldo: The Portuguese superstar had a solid week. He was suspended for Real Madrid's embarrassing 0-0 draw with Osasuna but exploded for a hat trick this past Wednesday in the second leg of the Copa Del Rey match against Celta Vigo. Ronaldo's final goal was a gorgeous free kick to the left of the goal; he was so excited to score that he ran over and hugged his coach Jose Mourinho emphatically. Madrid won the match 4-0.
Stats through Week 18
Messi: 28 goals, 8 assists (5 goals, 2 assists in UCL; 2 goals in Spanish Super Cup; 2 goals in the Copa Del Rey)
Ronaldo: 16 goals, 3 assists (6 goals in UCL, 1 assist; 2 goals in Spanish Super Cup; 4 goals in the Copa Del Rey)
Goals in 2013
Messi: 2
Ronaldo: 5
Edge: Both players missed one match and contributed heavily in the one they did play in. However, Ronaldo scored three goals to Messi's single tally. Ronaldo wins week 19.
Messi Leads 11-8 for the 2012-13 season.
Ronaldo Leads 2-0 for 2013.
During week 5, both players earned a point for equally strong weeks. During week 10, neither earned a point for forgettable weeks.