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Cristiano Ronaldo's double last Saturday against Malaga was marred by the Portugal star's 70th minute red card. Attempting to shake off a defender, Ronaldo sent a violent elbow backwards, breaking the nose of Malaga's Patrick Mtiliga. The card was immediately protested by the Portuguese international as he threw his hands into the air in disagreement with the decision, a move that would later draw comments from Malaga officials as disrespectful.
The Spanish footballing federation has since added another game onto the normal one game suspension that accompanies a send-off so just decision or not, Real Madrid will be missing their star player and second leading scorer for the next two matches.
Since the incident, a plethora of footballers and football personel have made their stance on the decision quite clear. Ronaldo, who apologized to Mtiliga after the game, retains his belief that the red card was a disgrace. Even going as far as to blame the Dane's height in the matter, stating that a taller defender would have taken the blow to the chest instead of the face. Sentiments echoed by Madrid's director, Jorge Valdano, who tried to reason that Cristiano just wants to entertain and play the game; comparing his Portuguese forward to other players, who would have gone down in that scenario (let's not forget, however, that last World Cup Cristiano's 'simulations' were a highly criticized part of his play).
Madrid has since appealed the decision, sending a tape of Leo Messi to exemplify that arm motions similar to Ronaldo's are commonplace in the game. Do you think it was just coincidence that Messi was the chosen example? Xavi came to the defence of his teammate, stating that Ronaldo's punishment was deserved and while Messi attempts to continue to play, Ronaldo attempts to break free using force.
Cristiano is, arguably, the best player in the world. If I could start a team with one footballer, I would certainly choose the Portugal star over Messi, Kaka, etc. His talent, as is the case in any sport, makes him the subject of scrutiny on all levels. Had Guti done the same thing would it be such a topic of conversation? No, it would be a side note on the fifth page of Marca. That being said, and after watching the replay numerous times, I think that the red card was deserved; however, I do not believe that the Spanish footballing federation needed to tack on another game to his suspension.
In the last few days, I have heard an infinite number of opinions on the matter ranging from a longer suspension to questioning why the whistle was blown in the first place. What do you think? This page has produced a lot of great arguments, debates, etc. over the last few months, and I am curious as to what the fans think about the matter.
Regardless of where you stand, no argument will change the punishment handed down on Ronaldo. Turning our attention to this weekend, Madrid will have a tough test as they travel to La Coruña to face Deportivo. The Gallecian side are fifth in the league and showed a lot of resolve against Madrid in their trip to the Bernabeu.
Espanyol, while not living up to their potential, will be no easy test for Los Blancos either when the Catalan side comes to Madrid the following week. Five points behind Barcelona and struggling to find a consistent attack, Madrid will need to be on form if they wish to keep pace or make up ground on the 2009 Champions. A few positive results, however, in the midst of tumultuous times could possibly set the table for a second-half run that have Real Madrid hosting the league cup for the thirty-second time come May.
Comments
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Posted by vilay 78 on 01/29/2010
He is the best? You will choose him over Messi?
Officially, Messi is voted by FIFA as No 1 in the world.
Generally, people who understand football know Messi is god on the pitch and the best in football now. Ronaldo is not naturally gifted and most of his shows on the pitch are just products of his hard practising, like step-overs...the things brought him today are his scoring skill and Man United's lucky trophies only.
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Posted by sonny on 01/29/2010
Hard pressed to say he is the best but honestly Ronaldo and Messi are in the same tier of football. However, the red card was not that harsh but for an extra game ban? Well, that's absurd.
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Posted by sfnuop on 01/29/2010
Ronaldo is not naturally gifted?..ok.
I would also choose Ronaldo over Messi, guy's got way more physical presence
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Posted by william on 01/29/2010
Anything CR does is highlighted: when Messi use his hand to score is a goal he is great but if CR tries that he is cheat, when Messi dives against Chelsea he is great, CR does that he is a cheat, when Messi uses his arm to push a player of he is great and Cr does the same thing he is a nose breaker.
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Posted by ziing on 01/29/2010
I'm sure Mtiglia thought the worst that would happen was a card, so I'm glad he got his nose broken. serves him right. sure, defending is an art, and hiding your tricks from the ref is an example, but sorry patty, you are inadequate, and now you have two black eyes and vidic nose to prove it. And I'm glad it was front page stuff that made Sportscenter. It's nice for the American soccer fan to be able to point to the "prettiest" player in the game breaking someone's face when his friends are knocking the sport for being too soft. Yeah, Madrid will miss him, and no, I don't think it warrants a suspension. But, I am glad it happened, for the good of the sport.
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Posted by ziing on 01/29/2010
I'm sure Mtiglia thought the worst that would happen was a card, so I'm glad he got his nose broken. Serves him right. Sure, defending is an art, and hiding your tricks from the ref is an example, but sorry patty, you are inadequate, and now you have two black eyes and Vidic nose to prove it. And I'm glad it was front page stuff that made Sportscenter. It's nice for the American soccer fan to be able to point to the "prettiest" player in the game breaking someone's face when his friends are knocking the sport for being too soft. Yeah, Madrid will miss him, and no, I don't think it warrants a suspension. But, I am glad it happened, for the good of the sport.
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Posted by Czech_Scouser on 01/29/2010
How can you spew such utter nonsense? Winning the EPL 3 years on the trot is lucky?? hahaha then I think the ManU players should all go out and buy lottery tickets with their unbelievable "luck". And this is coming from a die-hard Liverpool supporter.
Do you really believe that Messi just woke up one morning with his skills? that he doesn't practice? WOW the ignorance from your post is just mind boggling.
Getting back to the real question though I agree with both sides to be quite honest. I understand where Ronaldo is coming from. He is a player that doesn't like to be held back by the dirty shirt tugging that players unfortunately have to turn to in order to slow him down. But it was a vicious elbow and must b punished. Yes he probably is being made an example of but that comes with being that kind of superstar. He has got to learn to curb his anger a bit better. So in the end if Ronaldo can learn something from this it will make him a better player on the pitch
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Posted by andres on 01/29/2010
"Even going as far as to blame the Dane's height in the matter, stating that a taller defender would have taken the blow to the chest instead of the face."
Yes, and if Ronaldo's arms were shorter he would have never touched him in the first place.
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Posted by Geebee75 on 01/29/2010
I agree with you that his action deserves a red card and the two match ban is a tad too harsh. I feel he should be made to sit out the one match, however, to say Ronaldo is arguably the best footballer is simply ludicrous. Though you are entitled to your own opinion, but people that understand football, that have played the game, even Kaka know Messi is a far better player, more talented, more of a team player and more of a threat than Ronaldo could ever be. Period!
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Posted by ovie okporua on 01/29/2010
He does not deserve a yellow not to even talk of a red
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Posted by HL on 01/29/2010
Man United's lucky trophies?
Obviously a Barca fan in disguise.
"Generally, people who understand football" SHOULD know that comparing them is as good as comparing apples and oranges. However, one thing that Ronaldo can do is score with his left foot, right foot, head, knee, bum, from free kicks and takes penalties plenty proficiently, whereas Messi only has that darn left foot of his.
In case mr vilay doesn't realize it, natural talent is NEVER enough. One needs to augment talent with extreme hard work, and that's what both Ronaldo and Messi have gone through to get where they are today.
And as a proud man utd fan, I have to say.. Lucky trophies? I'm sorry, which team was one of the many anonymous teams we knocked out on our way to winning the 07/08 UCL title? That's right, ladies and gentlemen, THE MIGHTY BARCELONA! Think, before you speak.
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Posted by el BARBARO on 01/29/2010
Mr. Hudson have u ever played at least on the street and someone is grabbing your arm while your dribbling forward to attack?
From experience that is not a red card, it's a yellow. 1st of all the other player is grabbing his arm and trying to stop him from going forward. he swung backwards w/o looking back and trying to shake off the player grabbing his arm.
I've been on both sides of that play and anytime you grab someone and stop from going forward it's a yellow and the foul is awarded to the man with the ball. The only reason he gets a red is because of the broken nose other than that he would have hit him on the chest.
I don't think he should have gotten 2 match ban for raising his arms in protest, anyone would protested if your arm is being grabbed. The ref is being over sensitive, it's not the like insult that Sneider did to the ref in the the Milan derby.
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Posted by MANU DEVIL on 01/29/2010
Really? Lucky? Haha, Messi has skill but hes not a rounded player. Ronaldo has height, speed, technique and power. Messi has speed and technique. Hmm sounds like a better all around player to me.
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Posted by doomer gloomer baby bloomer on 01/29/2010
Ronaldo is special. That is for sure. I would not go into a debate about who is better between himself & Messi. Ronaldo is more valuable - that is a hard fact. Like Becks, he is marketable.
From a purely footballing point of view, I still prefer him. Power, pace, strength and height combined with good dribbling skills and good technique, he is an all round attacker.
I don't know if the Refs keep a closer eye on him for that reason.
Players of Ronaldo's nature can get red cards frequently partly because of the their competitiveness and the amount of times they are unfairly kicked in the game. I for one have nothing against diving primarily because the players who dive usually get kicked a lot and the fouls are never given. Plus, diving makes for good controversy.
The red card this time came because Ronaldo wanted to break free, had his shirt pulled then got frustrated. The rest is history.
Bottom line is, Messi's next move of a similar nature will be under more scrupulous eyes.
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Posted by Not-that-football-genius-as-Vilay on 01/29/2010
Messi is voted by FIFA as No 1 in the world 'when he is with Barcelona'. CR9 is still the best player because he can play in any team with different tactics, whether it is with MU, Real Madrid or even the Portuguese National Team. While Messi can only play in one type of system aka Barca system (I bet you do realize that even Argentina didn't actually recognize him last year, handing the Argentinean Sportsman of the year to a tennis player, Del Potro). So please Vilay, don't underestimates people knowledge in football since you yourself has failed understanding it.
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Posted by el BARBARO on 01/29/2010
my final judgment is that it should've been 2 yellows and a red card for the ref being over sensitive.
Mr. hudson you must be an EPL fan because Messi is naturally the better player. Watch Barcelona play and you'll be convinced, I won't have to convince you.
CR9 is good at scoring, headers and free kicks, his dribbling is suspect because he hardly ever passes His dribbling is mostly his speed and in small spaces he is very suspect. Kaka, Ronaldinho and Messi are way better at dribbling in small area. He doesn't bend his knees enough and keep low to the ground when dribbling in little space and that is key, then you can run into open areas and showboat.
Messi Kaka and Ronaldinho have better passing and vision and there fore have good assist.
Messi is the best in dribbling and he does fight his way out of fouls by cracking his opponent not by fouling them, or throwing himself on the ground like CR. I've never seen CR out dribble 4 or 5 opponents more than once and Meesi has.
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Posted by zach bowman on 01/29/2010
Cristiano is definitely the best player in the world. I would also choose him over Messi. Ronaldo is naturally gifted, his speed, scoring abilities, and his footwork are twice as good as Messi's
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Posted by nelson on 01/30/2010
the simple fact that people will weigh in on this topic in relation to their thoughts about Ronaldo's quality as a player, or if he is in fact "the best player in the game" makes it flawed. If the question is: "Did he deserve the red card?" the answer is yes; and in turn "did he deserve an additional game suspension?" the answer is no. As Mr. Hudson points out "Cristiano is, arguably, the best player in the world", key word is arguably. The fact that people like "Vilay" will post their undying love for Messi, and dislike of Ronaldo, has nothing to do with this topic. And by the way "Vilay", just writing "Ronaldo is not naturally gifted" proves that you know nothing about football.
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Posted by san on 01/30/2010
Hard work is what we need to excel in life if you have all the talents in the world and fail to work hard it amounts to nothing we've seen players with talent but no hard work fail. Ronaldinho is an example, even more gifted than Messi but what is he today because he stopped working hard? Even your Messi will fail if he stops. No argument, officially Messi is the best but Ronaldo is up there too and you cant contest that. All round Ronaldo is a better player than Messi because Messi cant bend in free kicks with the swerving shot that accompany it.
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Posted by ManUnited7 on 01/30/2010
If you look at the replay, the referee is waving playing on because Ronaldo was the one being fouled. He only stops play when he sees the blood of the player. If this "foul" had occurred in England I dont believe the referee would have even stopped play for a foul.
Ronaldo flails his arm like that because the defender is grabbing it, it was unfortunate that the player got hit in the face, but I can't see how it's a red card.
The video of Messi flailing his arms isn't really relevant because Messi does not make contact with the player attempting to hold him back. But what if Messi had made contact? I find it highly unlikely that there would have even been a foul called, let alone a red card and two game ban and that's the difference.
This ruling is essentially saying to players that if you are being obstructed, do not try and play on because if you attempt to break free, you may be sent off if you make contact with the defender, is that what we want to be expressing? I think not.
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Posted by steveNYC on 01/30/2010
I honestly can't stand Cristiano Ronaldo, and he certainly wouldn't be my "first pick" if i were starting a team, but I totally agree with your position that this second game ban is not justified. It's ridiculous. I'm not even sure I would've given him a red in the first place, being that Mtiliga was trying to hold him up by his shirt. I mean, if I'm dribbling the ball and some guy has me by the shirt, I'm gonna try hard to swat him off of me. Mtiliga's hand AND nose were simply in the wrong places at the wrong time. And that is CR's fault? A two game suspension? Absurd.
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Posted by MICHAEL on 01/30/2010
vilay, you must be an anti-man utd guy, as well as anti-ronaldo...man utd and ronaldo have the same effect on fans..u either hate them or love them..no nothing in between...seriously though if u see both messi's video and ronaldo's you will find there's no big difference, except in the height of the players and the opposition..and okay, he likes the limelight and gets on your nerve,,but hes a class act...and he hasn't dived as much since he's been at Madrid (now in the company of fellow superstars)..and whats that about FIFA no.1 ? They are not so upstanding as they would like us to believe..personally i felt Xavi should have won it...after all he led Spain to European glory, while messi hasn't really performed to expectations with Argentina..that apart..do u think the likes of Gerrard, Xavi are naturally gifted either..there's' something called hard work... he's a more complete footballer than messi can ever hope to be..just that Messi is the BEST at what he does
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Posted by K on 01/30/2010
the person who just posted is a blubbering idiot, seriously, "he is not naturally gifted". for whatever reason you dislike Cristiano, ignoring the fact that he has natural ability as an athlete and football player is ignorant. if he came to be the way he is just from practicing then he deserves even more credit as an example for young footballers that they can be as effective as him. I believe when he says he will choose ronaldo over messi. i am not saying i agree 100 percent but i understand. messi DOES NOT carry barcelona he is their biggest and best weapon. ronaldo is like a sun, everything orbits around him when he is on the pitch. i am a man utd fan so i have every reason to hate him but his skill is unquestionable and when people say he is selfish, if u played with him you would pass every open shot to him to i guarantee you!
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Posted by A.C. Milan #80 on 01/30/2010
Yes, I agree with you about Ronaldo deserving the red card and not the extra game ban. I do, but what I disagree with you about is the fact that you would take Ronaldo over Messi. As the person behind me even said, Messi was voted officially by FIFA that he is the best footballer in the world, and he is. Ronaldo is very talented on the pitch, I would have him on my team as well, definitely. But Messi plays with heart and for his love of the beautiful game, while Ronaldo, yes he does love it but, plays with an attitude, not even taking the time to appreciate all that he has- getting paid to play football, no better "job" in the world. Difference of opinion, that's all.
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Posted by Robert on 01/30/2010
Saying Ronaldo isn't naturally gifted is just flat out ignorant and shows you're obviously a Barca supporter. Messi is good but didn't wake up the player he is today, he worked his butt off. By the way, Messi was voted number 1 when he led his team to trophies in all competitions and Ronaldo was voted number 1 when he did the same the year before while also scoring 40+ goals. Man United's lucky trophies, I don't call winning the EPL three straight years and going back to back to Champions League finals (winning one) luck by any means. Wake up and give and unbiased assessment.
I too would choose Ronaldo over anyone to start a team but if he wasn't open, Messi would definitely be my second choice.
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Posted by chris on 01/30/2010
It's funny to me that even correspondents on soccernet that analyze real madrid can't help but act like marca and be unbelievably biased. The red card was deserved, and it was a bad foul. It's a joke that he called it a disgrace, and hilarious that they sent in a video of messi in the appeal.
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Posted by ali on 01/30/2010
While I believe Messi is the best player on the planet (there is no argument there), I think Vilay is going too far. Ronaldo is an amazing player, and he can change results by himself. He has gotten better about diving and focuses more on the game now. He deserved a red card, and an additional ban (he'll know to respect the refs decision when it's the right call next time). Still, Messi would be on my team over any other player
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Posted by allen on 01/30/2010
Ronaldo over Messi??? Sounds like you are more of a Real Madrid fan than someone covering the club. No doubt, Ronaldo is a fantastic player, but Messi is on another level. And for the record, I am Chelsea fan, so no Barca bias.
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Posted by Herson N on 01/30/2010
Ronaldo is not a complete futbol player. All he does is wine & dive & look for the camera every time he scores! He is not a TEAM player! All he cares about is himself! Messi on the other hand puts his TEAM before himself. When he scores he looks to celebrate with his team mates. Ronaldo acts like he is untouchable! & it's about time they let him know that he is not bigger than the game!!!
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Posted by Marc Santos on 01/30/2010
You have got to be one of the lamest football fans I have ever read especially after that comment on Ronaldo not be naturally talented. There is no disputing that Messi is currently the best footballer in the world according to FIFA, but I believe that Ronaldo is more talented than Messi. Even some of the other top footballers in the world cannot move their feet as fast or in as many directions as Ronaldo. He already made a huge impact at Real and in the last 2 seasons at Manchester he dominated the field in almost every match he played. A midfielder in England who can score 42 goals in 48 games is absolutely the most talented player on the planet. I would find it hard to believe that Messi could not do that in England. Some of Ronaldo's talent is definitely a product of hard work and practice but if you honestly believe he has no natural talent you are an absolute fool.
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Posted by Anonymous on 01/30/2010
I'm a Barca fan but in all fairness, this isn't golf. Soccer is a physical sport and people get hurt. You can tell the defender dived if you slowly watch the video, he fell 1/2 a second after Ronaldo "hit" him. Just like in Eduardo's injury, had the accused not injured players, both would of most likely escaped with a yellow card or a warning.
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Posted by JSummer on 01/30/2010
That is one of the most ridiculous comments I have ever heard. Did you really just say that Ronaldo is not naturally gifted and his play is only a result of work ethic so he can't be the best? You are kidding yourself. Messi is the best player in the formation and style that Barcelona plays, but could not last in the Premier League and even struggles in the international game. Ronaldo has proven himself in the EPL and the SPL time and time again. Then to say that Man United's trophies were lucky is a joke that I do not even feel the need to address further.
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Posted by natureornurture on 01/30/2010
Who cares if Messi is more 'naturally gifted' than Ronaldo? They are two world class players that any team would be happy to have on board. Gifted or not, I'm sure they both worked incredibly hard to get to where they are, and that's all that matters. Personally I would also choose Cron over Messi.
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Posted by paul on 01/30/2010
Not naturally gifted?
CR was born to play football! there is no denying it.
Messi - for me is too wimpy. What about that?
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Posted by Marshall on 01/30/2010
I don't think it was a card at all, I wouldn't have even given it a free kick. The defender was beaten by Ronaldo's turn and grabbed a hold of his shirt to stop him getting past. Ronaldo tried to break free of this (rightly so) and accidentally caught him in the nose. Bad luck! Don't illegally grab his shirt and you won't get hit in the face. Probably in the premier league he would have got away with it but I guess its a little more physical then Spain.
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Posted by cr9lover on 01/30/2010
I am no Man U fan but I can say that there is no such thing as a lucky trophy. when you compare their styles of play Ronaldo is hungrier, he always sets out to prove a point and iI think that quality puts him above Messi. it is ignorant of you to say that he is not technically gifted, how else do you explain the amount of goals he scores and the amount he sets up? also the shows you talk about what of them? look at brazil where individually gifted players play attractive football but still put on a "show". messi and ronaldo are the two best players hands down but cristiano ronaldo cr9 is the elite of the elite.
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Posted by leo on 01/30/2010
Man United's luck trophy?
Messi is a god with a unique type of play but Ronaldo.. is also a god in the Man Utd lineup. He is not just step overs, he can score from corners, free kicks, long shots, and finish.. He's even got strikers instinct..
I'm sorry talent wise.. Ronaldo seems like a gift from the gods.. Messi is great but I'd rate Ronaldo more.. Don't just hate him for his childish attitude etc he really IS the best
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Posted by Azzam on 01/30/2010
i wont argue who is the best player because that is not what the writer's main point. Personally, I think a straight red card should automatically warrant at least a 2-match ban in any league if after further reviews reveal that the referee got it right. In this case, you agree that the referee got it right... so i definitely think a 2-match ban is fair.
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Posted by Dub on 01/31/2010
Personally the defender shouldn't have had his face in the way of CR9's elbow. Ronaldo was only shaking off someone swatting at him which are you supposed to do? Exactly...
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Posted by David on 01/31/2010
They are both amazing players with their strengths and weaknesses. For those saying Ronaldo has better physique, its easy when you are 6 foot tall and extremely muscular to run into defenders. Imagine when you are 5 foot 6 like Messi and constantly hacked by "giants" much larger than yourself. Messi never complains about being kicked. Just gets back up and keeps going.
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Posted by Helen on 01/31/2010
Ronaldo is definitely the best player and I'd choose him over Messi and others too...
C'mon... Ronaldo isn't gifted?..... this is real absurd. And second game suspension is too much...
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Posted by Sam McF on 01/31/2010
Has Messi ever broken a player's nose? I do not believe so.
And how is that the 'best player in the world' cannot (with the rest of Real Madrid's stacked line-up) overtake Barca? I would almost be willing to say that Real even has a deeper bench than the Catalans.
I believe this upcoming World Cup will truly show who the best player in the world is (even though I said the same thing about the Manchester United vs. Barcelona Champions League Final, where the best player showed up - Messi).
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Posted by cavan34 on 01/31/2010
Both players are great. I prefer neither and would want both of them on my team. Anyone who says otherwise is lacking objectivity.
As far as the red card goes. No one buys tickets to watch a referee. It's a horrible call that, first and foremost, was extremely boring. Gee thanks referee, now we don't get to watch an elite athlete play for a couple of games. I believe that referees should always error on the side of entertainment, especially with routine occurrences like jostling for position. This is another example of the public being forced to pay attention to a referee who does not deserve the time of day. FIFA should institute replays and get rid of referees. All they do is get in the way and make bad calls.
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Posted by vilay 78 on 01/31/2010
When Ronaldo dribbles he needs space/time to have a dribble/move that is already well-planned in his head. In short, to move right or left is like a fixed play.
Naturally talented is a dribble that happens exactly at time dealing with each move of the defenders.
Messi as well as Maradona, if not better, is the real naturally gifted, who is capable of easing the ball in front of many defenders and getting past them one by one by which each move is unpredictable and inconceivable.
Ronaldo does well in counter attack when he has space to use his pace to run for a distance trying to get away from defenders and when the defenders come in front of him, he'll dribble mostly to the right then right again and shoot, its just like the fixed play.
I guess people who think he is the best, go too far to say he is better than Messi, and believe he is naturally gifted, besides his scoring abilities, i guess it is because his step-overs and tricks when no defenders on him that unnecessary.
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Posted by james on 01/31/2010
I am glad that guy got Ronaldo's elbow to his face. Any man would have taken it and kept playing the game, but he fell down to the ground like a girl. Ronaldo was trying to get free, and then the Malaga player got hit. No big deal, just get up and play the game. If he had gotten up and made an even better play, and gotten the ball away from Ronaldo he would have been a hero for getting his nose broken in the process. I hate how professional players have to act like girls when they "think" they get fowled, just play. The game is beautiful without all the excessive emotion.
And to set things straight, Cristiano is the best player in the world.....his quickness and athletic alone is amazing, not to mention his presence on the field. he dominates the game with every moves. Messi is awesome, Kaka has a beautiful touch and impressive leadership, but the top three players go in this order: Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Messi.
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Posted by rockerstone on 01/31/2010
Ronaldo did deserve the red card, that is for sure, but not the additional one match ban. As for between Ronaldo and Messi, it has to be Ronaldo. he is definitely a more rounded player. he will be even better once he is more of a team player and i think that is happening now at Madrid (their formation is aiding him to do so).
there is only one way we can decide between Ronny and Messi. And that is to put Messi in the EPL for a couple of seasons and see how he fares. i bet he wont survive even one season. he just not physical enough. dont get me wrong, he has tons of determination but not strength. and an example of this would be Robinho. look what happened, he couldnt survive the harshness of the EPL and he runs back to his mommy in Brazil!
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Posted by vilay 78 on 01/31/2010
I have one apartment mate, I prefer Messi, he likes Ronaldo. The point is each of us have internet, but he dislikes watching Barca or Madrid games with me even i beg him we should watch matches together thats better. The reason is Messi almost has a good play in every 5 or 10 minutes time, his controls, dribbles, moves, good pass, dangerous pass, and assists are seen a lot and often during the match since he is not only forward or winger but play maker if needed. So, i cheer Messi loudly and he is quiet. And every Madrid match, he can't watch with me too, because after 10 or 20 minutes i will ask where is Ronaldo, where?? he seems disappeared, he is quiet as usual. So now, he watches alone, i watch myself and he will come out to my room when Ronaldo scores a goal. I say, yes, he is a good finisher. but we should watch the match together, he says, no i will die with your words before he scores. I say No, please just accept that Messi means a lot to the game/team and Ronaldo means the scoring.
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Posted by Gustavo Adolfo Galindo on 01/31/2010
I can't even believe that there are people in this world that still have not one subjective bone in there body. Ronaldo is perhaps the most naturally gifted hard working and hated player on earth. He has won titles played at the highest levels and succeeded. Messi on the same level but is below in my estimation because he has not shined on the world stage. His Argentina, with a plethora of talent, is comparable to Barcelona and is shaky at best. And its best player cant do anything about it? But Ronaldo with a Portuguese side with serious defects have forged a team led by Ronaldo in every aspect and has succeeded. So yes everyone in the world would pick Ronaldo over Messi. But IN my opinion if i where to pick any player first it would be Iker. Cause defense wins Championships.
P.S The Barcelona triplet is unfounded for me. I believe a team should beat every team it played in order to win a Champions league. Barcelona did not. it won by Goal differential. Talk about that .
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Posted by bernie on 01/31/2010
I agree with you, it's obviuos the spanish FA want to make an example of Ronaldo, but it is defenitely a red card, and if he didn't protest and make those inflammatory comments, I think it would have been only a one game suspension...He pretty much brought it on himself in my opinion...
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Posted by Shayan Ahmad on 01/31/2010
Ronaldo is good but is not a god. I would choose Messi over Ronaldo
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Posted by David on 02/01/2010
Ronaldo does not help win the ball back when he looses it. This is one area where Messi is above him. Look at the Champions League final, Messi's goal was as a direct result of Ronaldo not attempting to stop Xavi from moving forward and crossing the ball. He was standing right there but like Ronaldinho (who was my favourite player at Barca) isnt a hard worker on defence.
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Posted by cyanideshots on 02/01/2010
The point of this debate is to voice your opinions on CR9s' red card, and I beleive the reason Messis' name is even mentioned is due to the fact that Real used video evidence in their argument. Being an avid Real supporter for the better part of my life, I also try to be neutral always opting for what I beleive is fair and right for the love of the game. Having siad that, in my opinion the flailing arm is nothing more than a yellow at best. I think due to CR9 previous red the ref acted as judge and juror because in all honesty THAT red was out of frustration. BUT its not the refs' job to act as such, he is there to ref the game. Also the Spanish Football Federation is, in my opinion, just wants to let CR9 know that his conduct on the pitch just needs a little tinkering, take away too much and there goes the competitive edge. As for who is better between Messi or Ronaldo? My opinion may be biased so I'll leave that for another time
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Posted by vilay 78 on 02/01/2010
People who think Messi didn't shine at international levels are absolutely ignorant.
He won U20 world cup, and scored many goals.
He won and scored goals in Olympics in China.
He shined and led Argentina to the runners-up to Brazil in the last Latin Championship.
He had done enough in Argentina world cup Qualification before Maradona came in.
People who understand football will not complain much on Argentine players during their slump forms in this world cup qualification. Even Maradona himself knows if he could play now, he'd be dying too in this messy Argentine team. Team with no style, no tactics..
Argentina, they just can't build a good team to be a good team with this coaching stuff, at least for now.
What made you guys think Ronaldo is better than Messi now? His height?
As said, Messi produces good play in each 5 or 10 minutes time. Ronaldo tends to disappear each 10-20 minutes.
If Ronaldo a good finisher. Stats, Messi 16 games 15 goals 7 assists.
Ronaldo 12 games, 9 goals, 1assist.
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Posted by vilay 78 on 02/01/2010
Misunderstanding!
I didn't mean Man United EPL hatricks lucky. I mean the year they won both the EPL and UCL and Ronaldo was voted player of the year.
I still remember EPL games, when few games were left and Chelsea drew twice to Wigan and Villa the games they missed alot of chances to go 2-0 or kill off the game but lost the goals in the stoppage times. At the same time, ManU won twice the games that should have ended with a draw since ManU could not find ways to equalize, but it was Tevez who scored the last gasps in both games. United won the title by 2 points.
UCL, Its was Terry's penalty missed, they were lucky, because Chelsea deserved to win in Moscow, Ferguson accepted their luck afterwards.
Of course, winning big games need luck, so please accept luck, otherwise you will be unlucky.
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Posted by mwesigye emmanuel on 02/01/2010
Messi and Cristiano are such great players that anyone couldnt miss on his team. About natural talents: messi is a wonderful player in the ''barcelona setting'' and has a lot to prove to the world that he can as great outside Barcelona. To me, Cristiano is a player you can relay on for results in any game.
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Posted by S M R on 02/01/2010
Who is this ignorant vilay 78, seems to pretty biased towards barca and an admiration towards messi. I don't think the author should have put up the "Who's better?", it was supposed to discuss the sending off and extra game ban.
Ronaldo was unlucky in getting Mtiliga in the face.
Had it been somewhere else on the body and not a broken nose, he probably wouldn't have even been booked. Sending off may be debatable but the extra game ban is over the top.
And to the ignorant, a person who attains his skills from hard work is way better than a naturally talented one and would be a fitting role model to all the youngsters to learn and be appreciative of the game.
The only thing that makes Messi standout from the rest is his running with ball attached to his feet. He only does any of that and his dribbling near the box.
And for MU being lucky in winning the EPL and UCL, what about Barca last year and this, dubious refereeing decisions, biased officials all have helped them. Lucky Losers
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Posted by Sam on 02/01/2010
If the rolls reversed regarding the elbow - CR would still be crying. Every time he is tackled or looses the ball he raises his arms and wants a free kick.
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Posted by Jack on 02/01/2010
I have watched the video.
Yes, the Red card was a deserving one.
Reasons, the arm swinging was very clear.
He did it twice. The first time, he miss the player but the second one was a direct hit.
Cristiano will always be a target man on the pitch.
Opponents will always try to intimidate him.
They will use all ways to stop him.
What can a player like him do to stop them.
He will try to shake them off and here is the result of a broken nose and a red card.
This is the cause and the effect of both party involve.
So who is the biggest winner?
The two teams waiting to play Madrid will have an advantage.
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Posted by serge on 02/02/2010
I agree, Ronaldo merited the red card, but Patrick Mtiliga should have been red carded too. Ronaldo was making a run for goal and he committed a blatant foul by holding him the way he did, it is anti-football and destroys the game totally..
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Posted by terrojoe on 02/02/2010
Let me make it clear, Messi is my favorite player... He is not as well rounded as Ronaldo, but what stands out for me is his determination, vision and dribbling skills... I would not choose Ronaldo because he is hot-tempedered and appears conceated.. He is very skilled and, of course, a more all-rounded player than Messi. Yet, i cannot find myself saying that he is better than Messi. Messi and Rolando have two DIFFERENT styles, and they are both are good at what they do. Messi may come short when it comes to "all-roundedness" but he compensates with what he does best.. Something for all to consider... Who is getting better results?.... And still, one can outshine the other at different times in their career!
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Posted by arsenic526 on 02/02/2010
The card is definitely debatable, but now on to what most people are talking about...Messi vs. Ronaldo.
I agree that Messi hasn't shined in the same way with the national squad as he has with Barça. That being said, I still think we have to wait for this year's World Cup. It definitely doesn't help, by the way, that Maradona has used over 80 players over the course of the last two years on the national squad... how is the team supposed to build cohesion (oh, and he is an idiot for fighting with Riquelme and basically kicking him off the team).
Ronaldo is a fantastic player. He is certainly bigger and stronger and he is also an amazing finisher. That being said, I choose Messi, precisely because he is NOT naturally big, tall, or strong, yet he overcomes everything in his path. Also, he has scored quite a few headers despite his size, so that argument of lacking height isn't all that important. He has been taking some spectacular free kicks as well...his game is still improving!
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Posted by Miguel Curto on 02/02/2010
I'm pretty sure he will take his own lessons from this and being obsessed with improving his playing style I can already see him staying after training practicing getting free from this kind of opponents.
There's such a big advertising machine behind him I can also already see one of his sponsor brands coming up with a "special" slippery shirt almost impossible for defenders to grab. Wait and see...
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Posted by Rocket on 02/02/2010
Christina Ronaldo deserved it alright. He cried because he got in trouble. Same garbage he used to pull while with ManU....
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Posted by Aposta87 on 02/02/2010
No matter what Ronaldo does, critics will always look for a reason to crucify him. The reality is when you are simply that good, it comes with the territory.
Red card? Yes. Two match ban? No.
As for the people on this thread claiming Ronaldo is not in the same tier of footballer as Messi and Kaka, I urge you to go back and have a look at CR9's achievements over his career.
Better yet type his name into youtube and admire a player that continues is simply breathtaking to watch, and has become in my opinion the most devastating all round footballer in the world.
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Posted by vilay 78 on 02/02/2010
I would say, 3 match ban would also possible, 2 was ok and 1 more acceptable.
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Posted by klic on 02/02/2010
i will not be drawn into who is better because i am a madrid fan but if you ask me if i would pick someone who can score 40+ goal in 40+ matches then i would pick that person. futbal and winning is about scoring goals...ask FIFA( their new ball)...as for red card, may be...but an additional one, a BIG NO NO.
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Posted by Busby Way on 02/02/2010
"He is the best? You will choose him over Messi?
Officially, Messi is voted by FIFA as No 1 in the world.
Generally, people who understand football know Messi is god on the pitch and the best in football now. Ronaldo is not naturally gifted and most of his shows on the pitch are just products of his hard practising, like step-overs...the things brought him today are his scoring skill and Man United's lucky trophies only"
-------------------------------------------------
Show's how little you know Vilay.
Ronaldo is more devastating in a game than Messi. United's trophies were not lucky. You don't luck out when you win a couple of trophies a year consistantly over the past few years.
No doubt you are a fan of an English side and live 1,000 miles away from them.
Bitter little man.
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Posted by Alex on 02/02/2010
I agree that Ronaldo is criticeized a whole lot more than Messi. I also agree that Ronaldo is better. I am not a CR9 fan necessarily, but I have to recognize that he is way better than Messi. Messi is simply on a club that is full of talent that has good chemistry. What has he done for Argentiza? Answer=zero. Before, the same could be said for Ronaldo, however, anyone who doubts the importance of his presence on the Portugal squad should look for the video of the last few games Portugal played with and without him. Oh, and I think the defender deserved the elbow for holding his shirt. I don't think play should have even been called as this encourages defenders to continue this practice.
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Posted by Elvis on 02/03/2010
"When Ronaldo dribbles he needs space/time to have a dribble/move that is already well-planned in his head. In short, to move right or left is like a fixed play.
Naturally talented is a dribble that happens exactly at time dealing with each move of the defenders."
Whats that suppose to mean! Thats what soccer is about using your head to beat your opponent not to pull something out of your behind and hope it works! Dont make me laugh soccer is a sport for smart people. Every player loses their head in a game and theres no such thing as naturally gifted thats loser talk about, its all about hard work. Hard workers are champions and deserve the best because they cause they earned it with sweat and tears hours of hard work come on messi naturally gifted he should be mad at who ever said that for not giving him credit for years of work and time put on his game! Cristiano Ronaldo is awsome i dont blame him for 1 red card this stuff is part of the game! And maradonna isnt even great.
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Posted by Stephen on 02/03/2010
Put leo in the epl and then we'll see if messi is better than ronaldo. leo's inconsistency for his national team leeds me to the fact that he can and will only be able to play good at barcelona. ronaldo wants to prove to the world that he is the best so he changed clubs knowing that it was going to take time to adjust to the type of play they do in spain. and even then he has proved everybody wrong by scoring 15 goals in 16 games for madrid. messi is going to remain a one club man his whole life and will only prove to the barcelona fans that he is good when the whole rest of the world knows that he is highly over-rated.
now 2 ronaldo's red cad. i disagree with the fact that is was a red card. you can clearly see that he didnt look back, swong his left elbow 1st to try and break free, then swong his right. of course barca fans are going to think that it was a red card because ronaldo is the newest and biggest threat in spain at the moment and they dont want to see their messi get beaten.
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Posted by vilay 78 on 02/03/2010
Bushy way and Alex!
Let me spend more time for your better understnding.
If Ronaldos more devastating in a game than Messi: But why some medias, and the fact of game, prove much on Ronaldos tendency to disappear in every time for 10-20 minutes, but Messi produces a good play in every 5-10 minutes with his controls, dribbles, dangerous passes and assists?
If Roanldos a good finisher: now stats, Ronaldo 12 games, 9 goals, 1 assist.
Messi 17 games, 15 goals, 7 assists. Messi also scored 42 goals 18 assists from all competitions in the last season. Messi has an average of 15 assists in the last few seasons, Ronaldo is 8.
The year Ronalno scored 42, he had 8 assists, Giggs, Carrick, Berba, Rooney altogether had about 60 assists. If Messi plays in team with talents then Man United' many assists?
He didn't win thing with Argentina?
He won U20 world cup, he won gold medal in the Olympics, He shined & scored many goals and finished as runners up to Brazil in the Last Latin championship.
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Posted by im on 02/03/2010
guys,
i think vijay has no brain left. or at the right of his head for that matter too.
im sure hes not naturally gifted too. But if he think he can train and be like ronaldo,ill pay him all the money in this world.
vijay, gimme your bank act no. Expect money in once i see your name (ill be kind) in FIFA candidate for best footballers.
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Posted by VAN on 02/03/2010
I agree that Ronaldo is criticeized a whole lot more than Messi. I also agree that Ronaldo is better. I am not a CR9 fan necessarily, but I have to recognize that he is way better than Messi. I don't think it was a red card at all, I wouldn't have even given it a free kick. The defender was beaten by Ronaldo's turn and grabbed a hold of his shirt to stop him getting past. Ronaldo tried to break free of that is all. Cristiano Ronaldo is the best AND THE NUMBER ONE FUTBALL PLAYER IN THE WORLD? I will choose him over Messi? CR YOU ARE THE BEST.
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Posted by Ericonda Amadi on 02/03/2010
Yellow card would have been the proper and adequate punishment for RONALDO, and not the red card. If the red card is conceded, the second match ban is extremely harsh and without basis. Please Ronaldo should be treated like other players, and should not be used as a scape goat.
In the field of play, Ronaldo is more organised and spirited than Messi. Without mincing words, Ronaldo remains the world best player. His moves and skills are fantastic and great. The moment he is with ball, he creates openings, unlike Messi whose kind of football is to congest the game.
If i'm a manager, i will prefer Ronaldo to Messi. However, both players are good on the field but Ronaldo is better.
Thanx.
Ericonda from Nigeria.
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Posted by solomon on 02/10/2010
Vilay's arguments have been sound and logical. What has Ronaldo won as an international player? Yet Messi has.
Messi does not have to play in the premier league for him to prove that he is the best player because he is the best, and at the moment, the Spanish league is light years ahead of the premiership as was proved in the CL finals last year.
Messi outshone Ronaldo just as Barca made a laugh of ManU.
Posted by Orlando Tibbitts 1 week, 1 day ago
Do you think that Syria spying on dissidents?
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About
Nick Rigg is a sports journalist for a regional newspaper in Yorkshire. From 'God's Own County' he ardently follows 'God's Own Team' - Real Madrid, a club he fell in love with from his first visit to the Bernabeu a decade ago. Extra Madrid content can be found at his blog www.therealdealblog.co.uk and he can be followed on Twitter @nicholasrigg and emailed at therealdealblogsite@gmail.com ¡Hala Madrid!
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