They both seem certain to win a league title and both will think their team has every chance of securing the Champions League.
But according to a new study, Lionel Messi is three times more likely than old adversary Cristiano Ronaldo to win the 2019 Ballon d'Or.
The Barcelona striker has netted 31 times in La Liga while Ronaldo single-handedly kept Juventus from elimination in Europe.
But stats specialists Fivethirtyeight have crunched the numbers and 'place focus on every team's defensive and offensive capabilities as well as round-by-round probabilities'.
That means, in short, Messi will take the title for the fifth time.
Of course it could all depend on the outcome of the Champions League over the next seven weeks.
Barcelona are looking more likely as things stand, and have a 1-0 lead over Manchester United to take back to the Nou Camp.
The Argentinian didn't score but Ronaldo did in the quarter-finals.
But his strike just on half-time wasn't enough for a first leg victory at Ajax as the Dutch side hit back to go to Turin on level terms.
Ronaldo would love a favour from his former club to up his chances of taking the crown.
Arif_Zaman
495
Nahbns
447
Who ever wins the champion's league between the two wins the award.
whampoa
422
according to a new study, football is all about attackers. defenders should pack up and go home.
vfc1
365
no matter who wins both will remain as the GOAT
Forchmizzi
191
If I were Messi I wouldn't accept this award because last season he had the best stat and he didn't get it and worse of all he came 5th. For me he shouldn't take it at all
butcikloru
112
Referring to a competition with 13 matches as a determinant of the world's best player is political and insulting to the collective intelligence of sensible football fans across the world. The golden boot is a better criteria in my opinion.Another factor is the overall contribution for club and country per match. It is crystal clear that Messi is ahead as favourite. Juventus has been winning seria A before Ronaldo and would continue to do so judging by the current crop of players.Can Barcelona boast of any match victory this season without the free kicks,assists,playmaking and strikes of Messi? Organisers of these awards had better leave sentiment aside and be fair,otherwise,the award would loose it value and purpose for football. Ask yourselves,with due respect,anything spectacular from modric this season? Let us all learn from the object itself (ball).It rolls and moves indiscriminately.Kick it appropriatemy and it would do whatever you require without discrimination. TO BE FAIR, IS TO BE FOOTBALL.
JustGoWithIt
74
To Think A Player Who Played 11 Apps, Got 1 Assist & 1 Goal in UCL. Played 7 Apps, Got 1 Assist & 2 Goals, Misses Decisive Penalty At World Cup. Google To Make Sure It Is What It Is, Info Found Below: - Ballon D'Or: The Ballon d'Or Is An Award Given To The Best-Performing Football Player Around The World
Royanrsu
10
no matter who wins both will remain as the GOAT
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Messi is the GOAT, admit defeat and stop putting ronaldo on the same level as MESSI, he never was and never will be..
Sadiqyahuza
10
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oh my god
Yiwitz
9
no matter who wins both will remain as the GOAT
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no matter who wins... Messi is the only goat...end of discussion
Mosanya
8
Anything can happen in football, buy as a barca fan I will like Messi to win the ballon dor, although Ronaldo is also favourites to win it too, we just have to wait till the end of the season to determine who is the best, but their fans always compare which is wrong, we should just enjoy their talent. Both are the greatest footballer ever and we are lucky to live in their era.