2021 was the year when Lionel Messi finally ended his relationship with FC Barcelona as he left the club in the summer to join PSG on a free transfer.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo too changed allegiances this year as he left Juventus after three seasons to return to Machester United after a gap of 12 years.
The year proved to be a mixed bag experience for Lionel Messi. While with Barcelona he enjoyed moderate success winning only the Copa del Rey title, with Argentina, it was a dream come true for the superstar as he led his team to clinch the Copa America.
In August, Messi moved to PSG where he has so far scored six goals in 16 appearances. Out of the six goals he scored in France, five were in the Champions League and only one in the Ligue 1.
Ronaldo too had an eventful year. He won two cup competitions in Italy with Juventus but failed to win the league. At the Euro 2020, Portugal were ousted from the round of 16 after losing to Belgium. In September 2021, the 36-year-old returned to England to join his former club Manchester United.
On the personal front, Ronaldo surpassed Ali Daei to become the all-time highest goalscorer in international football in September.
Here, we take a look at how Ronaldo and Messi performed in 2021.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Lionel Messi
kingsammi
139
♧Nfdb
124
Ronaldo best 2021 World Record so far
DavidDaevchinyama
101
Why is this even a question? comparing someone who won a major trophy with his country and won the ballon d'or? messi had the best year and has the best career and will always be the best over anyone....PERIOD.... fyi I'm not a messi fan boy I'm just talking facts
Briankasupe
68
cr7
♧Nfdb
61
no more debate. It's forever Messi. Even cr5 can't win dubai dor. show how poor he was at 2021. Instagram dor for a reason
Yuteiloy
50
Is that even a question to ask?
KHMMURU07
47
Messi is a GOAT no doubt but Cr7 is better this season
aisiddiquee786
9
crmusm
8