For the fans of past generations, the ultimate debate in football has always been who is greater between Pele and Diego Maradona. Perhaps what makes the comparison harder is the fact that they played in separate eras. Pele had already hung up his boots when Maradona came on the scene. But yes, if any player is taken in the same class as Pele, it is Maradona.
Fast forward a few decades and a new debate is the centre of attention. Pretty much for the last 10-15 years, fans have been divided on who is better - Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi. It has caused divisions among family and friends, the fan-following is just that high for these two. Mind you, both these players have a healthy respect for each other, but fans are known to get into squabbles.
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But even as we fight among ourselves, one fact is escaping us. The time factor. Messi is 32, Ronaldo is 34 and they are in the latter stages of their careers. So the hard fact that we must accept is that these two are not going to be around for too long. The next FIFA World Cup is in 2022 and that may be the last time we see them on the big stage for all we know.?
By their own admission, both players have admitted that the comparisons have pushed them to be better at their game. Truth be told, watching them on the field reminds us of magicians at work. If Messi is an artist then Ronaldo is the perfectionist. Both have unique styles and are great players in own right. There is no doubt by the time they both retire, well, their names are going to be part of football history.?
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So the advice to fans who are busy drying to diss one another over the choice of player to support - guys both are awesome footballers, but they will stop playing one day, then what will you do? Of course it cannot be prevented, so the best thing to do is to enjoy them while they are still there. Their club careers are expected to last beyond 2022 so why not make use of that. The fact they they won't be around forever only adds to their credibility at being masters of the beautiful game.?
Now, most of us were not around when Maradona was playing and even more so when Pele was in his prime. But we have been fortunate to see Messi and Ronaldo in action. The fact that they have played in the same era has been an added bonus. But that era will come to an end.?
So let's not countdown to when they will stop playing, but rather watch them as much as possible. When one retires before the other, the one left will feel less challenged, that is for sure.?