Messi and Ronaldo Fight for Top Scorer

For the past seven years Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have dominated World Football, with one of the two being named the World Player of the Year since 2008. It’s little wonder we keep comparing them and the latest battle brewing is the race for the European Golden Shoe, awarded to the highest league scorer in Europe for the 2014-15 season. And while Messi has edged ahead in that tussle Ronaldo recently became the all-time top goal scorer in UEFA club competition; though Messi will have that record in his sights when Barcelona face Manchester City in the Champions League midweek.

Messi Eyes Ronaldo’s Record

With a brace in Real Madrid’s Champions League match against Schalke last week, Ronaldo racked up his 77th and 78th goals in European club competitions. His second strike saw him surpass former Los Blancos star Raul and he now holds the all-time goal scoring record. 75 have come in the Champions League, that’s a number he shares with his argentine adversary. Messi missed a penalty against Man City in Barcelona’s Round of 16 first leg game that would have saw him move to 76 Champions League Goals and 77 in European competitions; but he’ll have an opportunity to add to his tally at the Nou Camp in the second leg on Wednesday night.

Race for the Golden Shoe

In terms of the race for the European Golden Shoe Messi leads Ronaldo by 2 goals after he recorded a double against Eibar in La Liga at the weekend. He’s now on 32 league goals for the season while Cristiano is on 30. It’s likely one of the two will win it for a record fourth time, or perhaps they’ll share the award as Ronaldo did with ex Liverpool Striker Luis Suarez in 2014. The Portuguese star had a 13 goal head start on Messi at the beginning of 2015 but while he’s managed just 5 goals in the Spanish league this year, Barca’s magician has racked up 17.

Exciting El Clásico

And wouldn’t you know it, the pair are pitted against each other this weekend as the El Clásico stops Spain! Real recently blew a 4 point lead at the top of the table but a win over their rivals will see them reclaim top spot. If the hosts win though they’ll open up a 4 point gap of their own and be almost impossible to catch. Ronaldo netted a penalty as Real Madrid came from a goal down to win this season’s first meeting 3-1 at the Bernabeu in October. Messi and his men will want revenge. With 10 games to go after Saturday’s showdown the title race nor the European Golden shoe will be decided, but who’ll hold the advantage as they turn for the straight?