A debate that has been raging in football over the last 10 years is one involving the two players we rate as the best in the world right now. Yes, we are speaking of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Who is the better player? Since these two took to the pitch, two sets of fans have been born. And if you are for Ronaldo then it's as if by definition you are against Messi and of course the other way around as well.?
It's pretty similar to the Pele vs Diego Maradona debate but there is a big difference. Pele and Maradona did not play in the same era, Messi and Ronaldo do. Their fan-following is huge and the respect they command on the pitch puts them in a class of their own. We are fortunate to see them play at the same time.?
But let's get one thing straight, this is not a validation as to who is better. Both are unique in their own way and it is difficult to pick a choice. As far as the players are concerned, Messi and Ronaldo respect each other a lot. You see it how they interact at events and while facing off. In fact the way they speak about each other indicates that one has always made the harder push himself to be a better player. They are in a way, an inspiration to one another.?
True, one would not call them best friends. But that's because they do not socialise much with each other barring official events and matches. But when it comes to mutual respect, they are second to none. The traditional El Clasico between Barcelona vs Real Madrid was only made better by their duels. In fact ever since Ronaldo left for Juventus, Messi has admitted to missing their contests in La Liga.?
Now back to the fans. This Messi-Ronaldo divide has seen friendships ended, violent acts committed and all in the name of being a fanatic. One set of fans diss the other set and each other's idols as well. All this while the players themselves have no animosity towards each other.?
So guys, calm down. Just chill. Your players get along so should you. Also, being a fan of one, is no reason to diss the other. Take the writer of this article for example. Yours truly loves Ronaldo, rates him above Messi for which there are reasons. But does that mean for once Messi becomes any less of a player in my eyes? Do I take it as an excuse to diss him or for that matter anyone who admires him? Of course not!?
So the message is clear for fans. Respect each other and each other's players. After all, if Messi and Ronaldo are getting along, is there any reason for you guys not to? Oh and by the way, it's alright to like both of them. There's no hard rule that you have to like one and hate the other or like only one. So relax, enjoy them while you can for one day the only memory we shall have of them are the old clips of their best moments in the beautiful game.?