Comparison: Lionel Messi Vs Cristiano Ronaldo. The debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo has been ongoing for years, and both players have their own legion of fans and impressive achievements. Both players have their own unique strengths and have had immense success throughout their careers, making the Messi vs. Ronaldo debate a matter of personal preference. Some admire Messi's artistic style of play, while others appreciate Ronaldo's relentless work ethic and goal-scoring ability.