Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo: Who'll Rule in La Liga Next Season?

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo form one the greatest rivalries and sub-plots in world football today.  The enigma's of their respective sides, scorers of simply obscene goals and record breakers to boot.  Since Ronaldo swapped Manchester for Madrid in 2009 the footballing world have been obsessed with comparing the two.

It's human nature.

Who is the best goal scorer? Who should win the next Ballon d'or? And so on and so forth.

The Portuguese hit-man secured his first La Liga title last term, with Jose Mourinho stealing the edge on his old employers who have welcomed Tito Vilanova into the managerial helm after Pep Guardiola stepped aside.

Of the two biggest sides in football today though, who will steal the show in La Liga next season?

Stats

Let's start by establishing the story of the last three seasons, which culminated in the Barcelona Monopoly being broken as their bitter rivals became the first team to ever break the 100-point barrier.

The Argentine so far winning the La Liga title battle 2-1 though.

In terms of goals and assists it is also Messi that comes out on top, outscoring Ronaldo 115-112 since the 2009/10 season and assisting 43 goals compared to 29.

Last season alone the pair both broke the all time La Liga scoring record, a phenomenal achievement in itself.  But it was again the Barcelona man who outscored his Real Madrid counterpart 50 to 46, securing the Pichichi Trophy, and got more assists with 15 against 12, in one game less.

Verdict

Many attributes between the pair are remarkably similar, but there are of course some crucial differences.

Ronaldo is undoubtedly the more physical player and has more strength and tricks, but while Messi concedes fewer tricks his tremendous ball control is cut above anyone worldwide.  In addition he is far more robust under the challenge, has a better temperament and is a much better team player.

Ronaldo is the machine and Messi is the magician, essential cogs from which their sides revolve.

Crucially though. it is the Argentine that exerts more influence, in more games for longer, and herein lies the decision.

Transfer flops - Hugo Viana

Viana in his Newcastle days

A young promising midfield prodigy arrived at Newcastle United in 2002 on the crest of a wave, but shied away through the back door three years later after a miserable spell.

Hugo Viana began his career at Sporting Lisbon, and hit the ground running by turning in a string of tremendous performances in his debut season.  This captured the attention of clubs Europe wide, with Fifa also sitting up and taking note.

The worlds governing body awarded 19-year-old Viana the Young European Footballer of the Year award, which was enough to persuade Bobby Robson to part with his cash and bring him to Newcastle United.  A fee of around £8.5m saw Sporting part with their young starlet, and expectations about the youngster around St James Park were certainly high.

Unfortunately his big move didn't go according to plan, as you have now probably gathered by the title, and his career in the northeast quickly turned sour.  After two dismal years he was loaned back to his old club, before returning and quickly being shipped out once again.

This time it was to Valencia, where an initial years loan was made permanent for around £1.5m the following year.  This marked a huge loss for Newcastle, but also another chance for Viana to show he wasn't a flash in the pan.  He again flattered to deceive and after two years in which the half century appearance mark again fell out of range, as with Newcastle, another loan spell followed.

This time it was with La Liga rivals Osasuna followed by a trip back home with Sporting Braga the following year.  It was the latter move that was again made permanent, where he remains to this day.  One of his best day's back home came just over two months ago, when, with the game tied at 0-0 he scored from his own half in the 94th minute.

On the international front he represented Portugal under-21s for three years, before progressing up the ranks.  Withe the seniors he has travelled to two World Cups, one European Championship and an Olympics.

Transer flops - Robinho

Huge expectations were placed on the shoulders of Robinho when Manchester City shelled out big bucks to bring him to Eastlands in 2008.  The Brazlian was a sign of intent from the Abu Dhabi United Group, who upon taking over on transfer deadline day highlighted to the world how serious they were about taking the club to the top of the tree.

After beginning his career at hometown club Santos he enjoyed stellar years as the goals flowed, except a minor blip in 2004/05 season after his mother was kidnapped by gunmen.  Europe clamoured to prise the youngster away in 2004 but the club declined all offers, and the man who made his debut aged 18 in 2002 endured one more season.

After two Campeonato Brasileiro triumphs the big move finally came about in 2005, with Real Madrid beating off all competition by paying 60 per cent of the £24m realise clause inserted into his contract (just short of £15m).  Wearing the number 10 shirt, previously donned by Luis Figo, he endured a solid first season in La Liga scoring 14 goals in 37 appearances.

However at the start of the 2006/07 campaign he found himself out of favour at the club, being deemed too flashy by the new regime that was instilled under President Ramon Calderon and manager Fabio Capello.  After being returned to the starting line up for the second half of the season, he did his bit in helping the club claim the La Liga title.  When Capello was fired Bernd Schuster came in, bringing back the confidence with a run of games in the first team.

Barcelona were once again kept at bay, and despite injury playing it's part, a second La Liga title and fourth in total was on it's way.  Robinho finished the season with 11 league goals and eight assists, and in the process was, along with Iker Casillas, the only Madrid player to finish in the top ten of Fifa's World Player of the Year nominations.

All wasn't well behind the scenes though, with Calderon reportedly going back on promises of a new contract.  The Brazilian himself has since stated talks didn't materialise because the club wanted to use him as bait in transfer dealings, most notably as part exchange or a sale to help fund a move for Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo.  All this for a player who was thried highest goalscorer at the club during his tenure, and also second in the asssist rankings.

So onto Manchester, where City beat Chelsea to the signature the London club thought was definitely going to go their way.  The Stamford Bridge club have since stated Madrid's asking price was the problem, not a problem for the newly rich sky blues who shelled out £32.5m.  Mark Hughes, gaffer at the time, said after the transfer "This is a real statement of intent as to the ambitions of this club."  Unfortunately intent he wouldn't be around to see, although neither was the player himself.

After a wonderful start, scoring on his debut at home to Chelsea, the hype proved too much and he couldn't settle in England.  Home form was no problem for the player, but away from home he struggled continuously.  The second season proved even more disappointing, when after an injury sidelined him for months he found himself down the pecking order.  This resulted in a move away being sought, and he headed back to his homeland.

Former club Santos were the destination, after the two clubs agreed to a six month loan deal.  Upon arriving back he helped the club win the Copa Brasil for the first time in club's history, while stating he would rather stay with the club than return to England.  However City didn't want the loan deal extending and with Santos not putting an offer in, he had no choice but to go back to the club against his will.

With it being no secret a move was being looked for, Fenerbache and Besiktas opened talks but the player himself refused to move to Turkey and instead held on for Italy or Spain.  And late on in the transfer window he got his wish, with AC Milan making a move to take the player for £15m.  At the club he does seem to seem to have returned to form, scoring 14 goals in 34 appearances during the 2010/11 season where he helped the club to a Serie A victory.  In addition to this he also won the Italian Supercup this season, beating near rivals Inter Milan in the process.

On an international level, his first cap came in 2003 and he has been somewhat of an ever present since.  He has won two Confederations Cups in 2005 and 2009 and one Copa America in 2007, but is yet to taste World Cup victory.  However with the 2014 World Cup being help in the samba nation, Robinho could have a chance to taste the ultimate victory.  That is if he can keep playing football with a smile on his face, maintain form and keep a place in the squad at the age of 30.

Newcastle United

After the shock relegation, the bizarre sacking of Chris Hughton who led them back to the Premier League and some strange goings on with keep players so far this summer Newcastle are definitely back. Although without the ludicrous expectations which blighted them years ago. Alan Pardew seems to have a unity within the squad, and despite the sale of star striker Andy Carroll in January they still finished the season well. Last seasons 12th place should well be in reach.

Goalkeeper

Once upon a time this was a position that that The Magpies never need to worry about, all that has changed now. Steve Harper is a good quick fix, while Fraser Forster will be number one before Tim Krul. Not a great deal of quality, but plenty of potential, and it is maybe that potential that encourages Alan Pardew not to sign someone new.

Defence

Captain Fabricio Coloccini seems to have regained composure and quality, that seemed to be lacking when he first made the switch from La Liga to the Premier League. Elsewhere there is strength but no real big physical presence. The potential departure of Jose Enrique also takes away some threat up the flank, which will need to be sorted out.

Midfield

One key man Kevin Nolan has left while last seasons player of the season Joey Barton doesn't look to far behind. Two new men have already arrived to add some strength, while key man Hatem Ben Arfa was a huge miss after receiving that season ending injury in the winter. Jonas Gutierrez can also help the Frenchman with his creative juices, which bodes well for the free flowing attacking game plan taking hold at St James' Park.

Forwards

After the record sale of Carroll it was expected that they would struggle up front, but Pardew reinvigorated his team and especially strike force to ensure a good finish. However they needed some fresh attacking talent and now that has arrived in the shape of Demba Ba. It does seem another attacker of real quality should be added though.

Manager

Pardew has worked wonders since he was made boss, following Hughton's departure. The squad has a unity and the fans even seem to be on side, very good steps to achieving Premiership consolidation.

Areas to Strengthen

A new goalkeeper would improve the squad, but in the not too distant future one of their young guns will be more than ready to step up. A new striker to partner Ba and provide a real goal threat, and all round strengthening to ensure a squad is in place to challenge on fronts all season.

Expectations

After relegation, Newcastle fans have really reeled in their expectations following the title wins that was once demanded. Consolidation with small steps forward will be enough to satisfy the fiercest of loyal fans.

Odd2000/1 (Sky Bet)

Players in

Yohann Cabaye £5m (Lille), Demba Ba free (West Ham United), Mehdi Abeid free (Lens), Sylvain Marveaux free (Rennes), Gabriel Obertan undisclosed (Manchester United) Davide Santon £5m (Inter Milan)

Players out

Kevin Nolan £4 (West Ham United) Jose Enrique £6m (Liverpool) Joey Barton free (Queens Park Rangers) Wayne Routledge £2m (Swansea City) Ben Tozer free (Northampton Town) Daniel Leadbitter free (Torquay United) Patrick McLaughlin free (York City) Kazenga Lualua loan (Brighton and Hove Albion) Xisco loan (Deportivo La Coruna) Fraser Forster free (Celtic) Jamer Tavernier loan (Carlisle United) Shefki Kuqi, Sol Campbell, Nathan Evans, Andy Mogwo (all released)

Rooney lay off - just what he needs!

Following a sub standard World Cup, allegations about his private life, a poor start to the new campaign and calls for his boss for the media to lay off it has not been a good few months for Wayne Rooney.

Now it has been announced by Sir Alex Ferguson that the striker will be out for three weeks, due to an ankle injury picked up during the 2-2 draw against Bolton Wanderers.

However this could be the perfect tonic to get back to form upon his return.

If, against the odds, he can get away from the spot light and sort out some of the problems that have blighted his recent past maybe he could return to form on the field.

So far this season Rooney has only scored once, from the penalty spot, whereas Dimitar Berbatov is the clubs top scorer with seven and Michael Owen has been strengthening his case for a starting spot with three goals in a week.

The former Everton hitman though has cut a forlorn figure up front this season, the weight of the world clearly implanted on his shoulders.

One thing is for sure though, he needs to rid the skeletons from his closet before his form returns and this injury could've come at the perfect time.

Rest, recuperation and no media intrusion, could just bring about the old Wayne Rooney in a months time when he graces the football pitch again.

It could also be a blessing for Manchester United, they have got nothing out of the striker this season and have struggled for wins.

They face a Valencia side tomorrow who top La Liga, as well as needing some big points in the Premier League before the international break hits.

It seems this injury could be perfect for club and player.