Messi vs. Ronaldo: Why the Competition Is Closer Than You Think

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are both one-of-a-kind athletes born in the same generation, and from the moment they've risen to prominence, we've done nothing but compare them.

The debate between who's greater, who's the best player in the world is fierce; forming factions between spectators and, at times, aggressive conversation.

For several seasons now, those siding with Ronaldo have been in the minority. The Real Madrid forward, signed from Manchester United for a whopping 80 million in 2009, has never attracted the sort of neutral appeal Messi boasts.

The Portuguese is an entertainer, a marvel to watch, but some of his habits turn people away and he's a bullish, cocky figure in the media and on camera.

In stark contrast, Messi is a humble, quiet man. He's shy in front of the cameras, one of the last to take to the microphone and simply enjoys playing a game of FIFA at home.

But the difference may not all be down to personal traits. Ronaldo was brought in as a replacement for David Beckham at Manchester United for a stunning 18 million as an 18-year-old prospect.

He had the No. 7 shirt thrust onto him and was expected to performperhaps pressure, the will to succeed and the desperation to impress formed some of his persona as we see it today.

It's human instinct to form opinions and judgements on the snippets you may see, and the modestyalong with his monstrous ability on the football fieldhas seen Messi become the clear favourite.

But that tide, which has been in the Argentine's favour for many, many years, might just be turning a little, even after Messi's majestic, tie-winning cameo against Paris Saint-Germain.

The two forwards can boast impeccable records since Ronaldo joined Madrid.

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Messi vs. Ronaldo: Why the Competition Is Closer Than You Think