1. He is a powerful beast. His experience on the muddy fields of England turned him into an efficient killing machine. Hardly anyone can overpower him. Messi is a lot weaker – and although he handles violent players well, he is simply not as strong as CR7.
2. His raw speed, with and without the ball, gives his teammates more options for the through ball. Messi needs the ball at his feet, and is less effective on the counter attack.
3. His 1.86m muscular frame makes him an aerial threat. Messi, who is just shy of 1.70m, might score a header once in a while, but he is no threat.
4. He takes on games on his own. Carlos Queiroz, former Manchester United assistant manager, once even compared Ronaldo to Michael Jordan. He gives you the feeling that he can single-handedly win games whenever he chooses to do so. Messi is a lot more reliant on his teammates. Ronaldo just might be the most complete player ever.
5. He is a success at Real Madrid and was a great success at Manchester United. He proved himself in two major leagues. He also proves himself as a leader of the Portugal national team. Unlike Messi.
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