3. International Careers
Cristiano Ronaldo: Nationality: Portugese International Tournament Medals: Euro 2004 Runner Up
Up until the current European Championship Campaign its fair to say Ronaldo hasnt lit up the International stage, thanks mainly to him playing in a much weaker team than other International Super Stars get to play in. A creative attacking winger with only Helder Postiga to play to up front? It isnt an inviting prospect. Though he did get a Runners-Up Medal at the tail end of Portugals Golden Generation at the age of 19, but since then hes been pressured with carrying a weaker squad and being captain on top of being the best player. That being said, he has scored 35 international goals, looks set to become Portugals all time top goal scorer and has been the outstanding player of this international tournament, carrying a Portugese side almost single handledly to the Semi-Final tie against Spain. At this stage it seems to be that Ronaldo is bringing his club ability to the international stage and Portugal are getting the rewards.
Lionel Messi: Nationality: Argentinian International Tournament Medals: 2008 Olympic Gold Medal
Again despite having an international honour and great individual performances without goals in the 2010 World Cup Messi has also somewhat underwhelmed at this level mainly due to the pressures of being heralded as the next Maradonna, no pressure kid. He hasnt had anywhere near the goal scoring record hes had for Barcelona in an arguably much stronger team than Ronaldo has had, outlets like Pastore, Higuain, Aguero, Di Maria are all internationally renowned World Quality players but he has faced criticism of not being able to play in a way which isnt Barcelonas style that focuses on him, which reflects his rather weak goal scoring record (when compared to his Barcelona one).
Talking Points: The obvious nature here is the comparisons of the two teams they play for, Ronaldo has made more of an impact for Portugal in a weaker side than Messi has done for Argentina in a much more talented one, people say Ronaldo doesnt turn up in the big matches, but hes done so in this tournament and he carries Portugal a lot of the time. Messi struggles in the circumstances that dont suit him.
Who wins on International performances:Cristiano Ronaldo. Carrying a weak squad for much of his international career its a testimony to his ability that Portugal are always considered tournament contenders without the squad depth of Argentina.