Cristiano Ronaldo is now the best footballer in the world. He has adapted even more with the forward not just scoring goals, but also creating and is making it a habit to repeatedly laud the efforts of his team mates and coaches.
To put it in a football context, before last year's awards ceremony the Portuguese star was 4-1 (Ballon d'Or) awards down. It is now 4-3. He showed his delight as his crowning glory was announced. Through the years of Lionel Messi's dominance Ronaldo coped with adversity, doubt over his abilities and gained the tag of one of the most hated players in the world. He put his head down and worked hard as he watched Lionel Messi claim four Ballon d'Ors in a row; while seated in the first row of the Zurich building. Fast track 2015, Ronaldo has bagged two in a row as the Portuguese cream is finally at the top.
Now its Messi's turn to be the fan, the side-show and the guy back in the trenches working harder. Now he sits on the sideline and watches Ronaldo bask in the rays of the sun. Messi however has not had the best last two seasons; plagued by injuries, poor form, the bickering and the inability to be the main guy in world football. Even Joseph Blatter was quick to label Ronaldo as a extravagant, a commander on the pitch and mocked his hairstyles, making note of his preference of Lionel Messi. Isn't the president of FIFA meant to be objective? Ronaldo went on to respond in a respectful manner to Mr Blatter as he powered through the dramas to be the world's best player last season.
In recent weeks the murmurs outside the Nou Camp have been rather different. Messi has been very vocal lately. While his arch adversary has been known to be vocal and one who loves the spotlight both on and off the pitch, Messi has been known to be the private and reserved player. Oh has he? Messi has changed, or are his true colors showing?
What we noticed:
This is unfamiliar territory for the Argentine skipper. So used to the limelight, being away from the headlines for the last two years might be affecting him. Messi could be hoping for a move away, but with FFP (FIFA Fair Play) active only two clubs can realistically get the star. Real Madrid and Manchester United, who are both in no position to get the player, the deal will be worth around £550 million. The question is, is it worth it in a financial sense?
Barcelona's easiest solution would be the sacking of another manager, who Lionel Messi has been unable to play under. It will be a softer blow than losing their talisman. This will leave Barca in an even more unstable state as they have had 4 coaches in the last six years. The tables have turned indeed and now we wait and hope to see how this change of events will affect the Argentine star. Will he be able to bounce back or show the same level of desire as Ronaldo? If he cannot, we have to acknowledge Ronaldo a lot more. At this moment Ronaldo leads the race to not just another Ballon d'Or but a record tying fourth.
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| Cristiano Ronaldo - Winner FIFA Ballon d'Or 2014 |
Now its Messi's turn to be the fan, the side-show and the guy back in the trenches working harder. Now he sits on the sideline and watches Ronaldo bask in the rays of the sun. Messi however has not had the best last two seasons; plagued by injuries, poor form, the bickering and the inability to be the main guy in world football. Even Joseph Blatter was quick to label Ronaldo as a extravagant, a commander on the pitch and mocked his hairstyles, making note of his preference of Lionel Messi. Isn't the president of FIFA meant to be objective? Ronaldo went on to respond in a respectful manner to Mr Blatter as he powered through the dramas to be the world's best player last season.
In recent weeks the murmurs outside the Nou Camp have been rather different. Messi has been very vocal lately. While his arch adversary has been known to be vocal and one who loves the spotlight both on and off the pitch, Messi has been known to be the private and reserved player. Oh has he? Messi has changed, or are his true colors showing?
What we noticed:
- A rocky relationship with Luis Enrique.
- He is unsettled at Barca as he goes back and forth about his future at the club.
- He got gastroenteritis after being dropped by Luis Enrique for the Real Sociedad loss. (Funny enough Xavi Hernandez made comments earlier that week about how players who make such a complaint (gastroenteritis - stomach bug) are often covering up something and there is more to it than revealed.)
- The star forward is showing his frustrations, which has been reported to be missing Cesc Fabregas a close friend.
- Maneuvering a move away? Maybe, with the player or was it his son Thiago liking Chelsea's Instagram account, and some of their players' accounts. He then votes for Jose Mourinho as the best coach in the world. Read into it as you want.
This is unfamiliar territory for the Argentine skipper. So used to the limelight, being away from the headlines for the last two years might be affecting him. Messi could be hoping for a move away, but with FFP (FIFA Fair Play) active only two clubs can realistically get the star. Real Madrid and Manchester United, who are both in no position to get the player, the deal will be worth around £550 million. The question is, is it worth it in a financial sense?
Barcelona's easiest solution would be the sacking of another manager, who Lionel Messi has been unable to play under. It will be a softer blow than losing their talisman. This will leave Barca in an even more unstable state as they have had 4 coaches in the last six years. The tables have turned indeed and now we wait and hope to see how this change of events will affect the Argentine star. Will he be able to bounce back or show the same level of desire as Ronaldo? If he cannot, we have to acknowledge Ronaldo a lot more. At this moment Ronaldo leads the race to not just another Ballon d'Or but a record tying fourth.
Article contributed by: Benedict Chanakira
Twitter: @bchanakira2
Twitter: @bchanakira2
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