Ronaldo crushes Messi on the road to Russia

CR7's figures trump Messi's.

We are nearing the end to the qualifying stages for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, to be held next summer. We take a look at the fixtures that have already taken place, comparing the performances of the two players who are above all the rest: Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Neither of them have managed to secure their place in the World Cup yet, but they have led Argentina and Portugal through the long process of qualification. However, while Messi has shown he is an important figure in his side, Ronaldo emerged as an undisputed leader of his national team.

The numbers favour the Real Madrid ace. Having played one match more than his Portuguese counterpart (8), Messi has scored four goals. Ronaldo, on the other hand, has netted 14 times in seven appearances.

Ronaldo’s 45 minutes-per-goal ratio is far superior to that managed by Messi, who scored a goal every 180 minutes played. Goalscoring is not the only aspect in which CR7 has excelled, providing three assists for his teammates while the Argentine has made two.

Portugal have benefitted greatly from their striker’s displays, winning all seven matches he has played in. Messi has only claimed five wins out of eight fixtures with Argentina.

Portugal sit second in Group B and they do not depend on any other teams’ results. If they win their final two qualification games, they will travel to Russia next summer.

Argentina are in a similar position and if they brush aside Peru at La Bombonera, they will be three points away from sealing their spot in the World Cup finals. Now is when their teams most need them… and Ronaldo and Messi will fight to take part in the biggest competition in world football.