Messi and Ronaldo are like Federer and Nadal, says Chiellini
The football world has seen several legends like Pele and Diego Maradona, who are considered amongst the greatest. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have been ruling the football world for a decade now, while the two share an intense rivalry. Meanwhile, Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini feels that their rivalry is similar to that of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Here we analyze.
Chiellini feels lucky to live in same era as Ronaldo-Messi
Chiellini was impressed with Ronaldo's strike in their 1-1 draw against Torino on Friday. It was also Ronaldo's 601st goal of his club career. Chiellini said that he was 'lucky to live in the same time' as Ronaldo and Messi. "We are lucky to live in the same age as these two star players," he was quoted as saying to Sky Sport Italia.
Ronaldo-Messi rivalry can be compared with Federer-Nadal, feels Chiellini
"We can compare them to Federer and Nadal. One day Cristiano is maybe the strongest in the world and another day Messi, but the truth is that they are two extra-terrestrials who play another sport to us," Chiellini further stated about the epic rivalry.
Ronaldo and Messi have enjoyed intense head-to-head battle
Talking about this epic rivalry between the two legends, both the players have scored goals aplenty in their career. While Ronaldo has 601 goals, Messi is lagging behind by a goal. Meanwhile, Messi has won more silverware than Ronaldo, while the latter has an international silverware, unlike the Little Magician. Notably, both of them have the same number of Ballon d'Ors (5).
Ronaldo-Nadal rivalry do have something in common with Federer-Nadal
It would be unfair to compare the two football legends with the GOATs of tennis, with both being different sport altogether. However, they do have something in common. While Ronaldo has had success across multiple leagues in the world, Messi has had it all in Spain. Similarly, Federer has dominated on both grass and hard courts, while Nadal is the 'King of Clay'.
Who is the GOAT?
As per the records, it is hard to say who is the greatest of all time. However, it must be noted that age is on the side of Messi (31), who is four years younger to Ronaldo. We believe that Messi is marginally ahead.
Ronaldo has played more games to achieve success as Messi
Lionel Messi has now scored 600 goals for Barcelona
— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) May 1, 2019
Liverpool are the 76th team he has scored past for Barca
Scored his 1st senior goal 14 years ago today in 2-0 La Liga win v Albacete, May 1st 2005
Has reached 600 senior club goals in 118 games fewer than Cristiano Ronaldo: pic.twitter.com/870GTkKiw2
Messi eyes Copa America success, Federer-Nadal aim for French Open
Ronaldo has no more tournaments in the season, as he awaits the start of the next term. Messi, meanwhile, would look to guide Barcelona to Champions League. Post that, he would eye Copa America with Argentina. As for Federer and Nadal, both would eye a couple of ATP Masters in Madrid and Rome, before shifting focus to the French Open Grand Slam.
