Cristiano against Messi: two titles separate the pair
Lionel Messi has a slight advantage but with victory in the Club World Cup and with his fifth Ballon d'Or recently, Ronaldo is breathing down the Barcelona player's neck.
On Saturday, Real Madrid and Barcelona do it again in El Clásico but Ronaldo and Messi have been battling on every front for years too. Both players have an extraordinary record as individuals and in their respective teams and with Ronaldo's recent success at the Club World Cup and lifting his fifth Ballon d'Or, he goes one step closer to Messi's incredible trophy haul.
As the graphic belows points out, Ronaldo has won 53 to Messi's 55 and each and every one of those awards is listed. Regardless of your opinion on either, this makes for exceptional reading.