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.

Future Stars - Erik Lamela

In just a few short months Erik Lamela has become an integral part of the River Plate side, and has become a target for top clubs all over Europe.

Erik who? You may ask, but this news certainly isn't a surprise to Barcelona. The Spanish giants tried to sign the midfielder at just 12 years of age, offering large sums of money and gifts to tempt the youngsters family. But when the then president of River, Jose Maria Aguilar, made similar promises the decision was made to stay in Argentina. Remember the Argentine giants aren't nicknamed Los Millionarios for nothing.

Equally adept in central midfield, on the wings or in the hole behind the striker his flexibility is a real asset. It is perhaps the latter where he excels most. Here Lamela's creativity can be brought to the fore in spectacular style, while his cleverly weighted passes can no doubt set up plenty of chances. In addition given space he can unleash some left footed thunderbolts. You won't be surprised to hear that Lamela is another on the long line to be labelled 'the next Lionel Messi.'

It is surely just a matter of time before one of latest young Argentine prodigies makes his way to Europe. With a whole host of clubs already clamouring for his signature. Whoever does clinch the signing will no doubt be on to a winner, but a move too soon could perhaps do more harm than good. Developing like he has been in Argentina could just be the best thing...for now at least.

United victory could have huge consequences

Yesterday's victory for Manchester United over Chelsea could have a big rippling effect on both sides. The Londoners must now be resigned to a season without a single trophy making it's way into the Stamford Bridge cabinet. A scenario that over the last few weeks we have learned won't please big spending owner Roman Abramovich one bit. Carlo Ancelotti could be on his last legs, despite last seasons double, and a summer of huge spending could be on the cards. Despite January's £70m+ spree.

In the northwest however, Manchester United are on the verge of greatness. Barring a huge collapse Sir Alex Ferguson has achieved his goal with a 19th league title, knocking neighbours and rivals Liverpool off that perch. Something Red Devils fans were ecstatic about as the exited Old Trafford following that 2-1 win.

Despite this massive achievement though, the biggest test is still to come. On Saturday May 28th at Wembley they will come up against the side thought to be the best in the world, Barcelona. A team who are just one point away from securing another league title themselves, and a team for whom Lionel Messi hasn't stopped scoring all season long. Pep Guardiola has led the praise for the soon to be English Champions, but knows he faces one hell of a challenge. If they go into the game fearing the Spaniards United will be obliterated, however if they take the game to them and give no space a double can certainly be achieved.

And after becoming the side to win England's top flight the most times what could be next record for Fergie to try and topple. Well adding a fourth European cup would put them one behind Liverpool's record haul. Now that would rub salt into the wounds and would delight Fergie no end. I certainly wouldn't bet against it.

Group B

Argentina - World Ranking 7

It wouldn't be a World Cup without South America's version of Germany (well that's the view if your an England fan anyway). But for much of the qualifying campaign that was the way it seemed like it was going to be, as Argentina slipped in and out of the automatic qualification places. The two time winners though have a few late goals to thank, and after stumbling to a 1-0 win in Uruguay in the final game they sealed qualification.

When the tournament gets underway though one thing is for certain, this side will bear little resemblance to that which took to the field during the qualification phase. Technically they are one of the finest sides around, and with a certain little fire cracker that could walk into any side around the globe they certainly cannot be underestimated. Even with the unpredictable figure that currently occupies the hot seat.

Strengths

Argentina have th ability to dazzle, especially upfront, where La Liga trio Gonzalo Higuain, Sergio Aguero and the irrepressible Lionel Messi to choose from. Add to that mix Carlos Tevez who has been in spectacular form for Manchester City this season, and the ability to score goals could scare any defence.

They have also chose some more reliable players with the likes of Martin Demichelis, Gabriel Heinze and Walter Samuel all going. However Diego Maradona's selection policy has come under fierce criticism, which leads us onto this sides main weakness.

Weaknesses

When you leave players of the calibre of Esteban Cambiasso out of the side, you would think some quality is in the going to replace him. However, when you hear his replacement is Manchester United and Chelsea flop Juan Sebastian Veron Argentina suddenly become less frightening. The overall age of the squad seems on the high side in place, with people beyond their prime securing selection. Along with Veron (35) you can add Martin Palermo (36), and this seems like it could be a major problem for this side.

Cambiasso will be joined by Javier Zanetti who has also been overlooked in a more baffling selection. These two have been instrumental in the Inter Milan side which has secured a treble, certainties therefore to go to the World Cup. Well not in the eyes of Maradona, who has chosen Jonas Gutierrez amongst several who are clearly lacking in experience. Two players with enormous experience have been left at home, a huge risk.

Key Man - Lionel Messi

Who else? The Barcelona man hit an incredible 34 goals in La Liga last term, a feat that hadn't been achieved since Ronaldo in 96/97. Messi is simply the best player in the world right now, and while some cynics argue he doesn't perform as well without Xavi and Andres Iniesta supplying him, his class can't be doubted. He is capable of turning a game in an instant, and while he won't win the World Cup alone he could go a long way to deciding it's destiny.

One to Watch - Angel Di Maria

Benfica's 22-year-old winger is one of the most sought after players in the World right now, with every European super power chasing his signature. Di Maria possesses an incredible ability to cross whilst also capable of scoring from seemingly anywhere on the pitch. With a good World Cup though his price will rocket, and then they'll only be one winner. Benfica.

Manager - Diego Maradona

An idol in his native country, Maradona may have to rely on a huge slice of luck if he is to repeat his exploits as a player in this competition. The man involved in the biggest controversy in World Cup history, also scored the best goal in the same game. However he hasn't achieved anything in any level of management, so could have bitten off more than he can chew. One think is for certain though, come July Maradona will still be an idol in Argentina.

Odds - 8/1

Prediction - Semi-final at best, no doubt a talented team but some odd selections mixed with the managers lack of experience will cost them.

Greece - World Ranking 13

Greece could be set for there most successful World Cup in the nations history, all they have to do is score a goal. There only other World Cup campaign was in USA '94, where they were smashed 4-0, 4-0 and 2-0 by Argentina, Bulgaria and Nigeria. With two of those sides also drawn in this group, revenge could be the issue of the day.

It is now six years since Greece shocked the footballing world by triumphing at Euro 2004, and while this side lacks the quality of that team they certainly make up for it in determination.

Strengths

The unity of this side isn't under question, with eight players coming from Panathinaikos. Sotirios Kyrgiakos' form at Liverpool this term should breathe confidence into the backline, and sure them up so a repeat of '94 doesn't ensue. In addition they have some handy strikers that could muscle there way to a goal or two. Angelos Charisteas, the Euro 2004 hero, and Theofanis Gekas, the 2010 qualifying campaigns top scorer, could be key to progress from the group phase.

Weaknesses

There is a lack of real star quality in this side that could ultimately cost them. They can't call on the top leagues in Europe for their players, so have to rely on there own. In addition, in parts they are an ageing side and it remains to be seen whether the fitness levels will be up there to compete.

Key Man - Giorgos Karagounis

Panathinaikos' midfield enforcer is the main man both for club and country. Capable of picking a pass and a shot he can boss a game from the middle, as well as helping out at set pieces.

The Greece captain is now a veteran of the game, with experience at both Inter Milan and Benfica, he will have it all to do to rouse his troops into getting out of Group B.

One to Watch - Theofanis Gekas

Gekas is a goal machine for his country, as he netted 10 goals in qualification for his country. It is a feat that used to be a part of his club play as he scored 20 times in 32 appearance for Bochum, before sealing a big money move to Bayer Leverkusen. However he failed to live up to expectations, and loans to both Portsmouth and Hertha Berlin followed. But despite his troubles at club level, he remains a key player for Greece.

Manager - Otto Rehhagel

A man abound with experience, Otto Rehhagel counts three Bundesliga titles, a Uefa Cup and the European Cup Winners Cup among his greatest moments at club level. However it is certainlt his triumph at Euro 2004 that was his greatest moment, and led to the German beng named Greek of the year following that most unlikely of triumphs. His experience and tactics could be key to Greece escaping the group.

Odds - 125/1

Prediction - Greece will almost certainly break there duck and score in South Africa, but they have it all to do to get out of the group.

Nigeria - World Ranking 21

The largest and, for some time now, they have been considered the strongest of the African teams, but they now face stern opposition for that tag from the likes of Ivory Coast and Cameroon. Nigeria's preperations for the first World Cup held in then African continent hasn't been the smoothest. First they struggled in the African Nations which they were expected to win, a feat that led to a change at the helm with Lars Lagerback coming in. Then the passport problem that almost led to Obafemi Martins transfer to Newcastle, once again reared it's ugly head.

Now with more stringent age testing, the Nigerian FA is confident nobody is ten years older than they say they are. And with a more experienced side than previous years, this team could well shock a few people at this years tournament.

Strengths

There is a good mix of youth and telent within this side, that has been missing in recent years. Nigeria have always been known to have a team full of youth, but now a blend is in place it could be of a great benefit.

Players like Yakubu, Yobo and Mikel have plenty of Premier League experience, and should this be utilised in the correct way it could go a long way to ensuring progression from the group stage.

Weaknesses

Game plans have led to the downfall of Nigeria in recent years, with unsuccessful African Nations campaigns compounded by a failure to qualify to the 2006 World Cup. Strength and speed aren't qualities that have worked well together for this side, and this one dimensional aspect could be what costs them this time around.

Key Man - John Obi Mikel

An important member of the Chelsea doubled winning side this term following the injury to Michael Essien, Mikel has begun to flourish and live up to his reputation. He has shown that he can pass and tackle well under Carlo Ancelotti, and if he can cut out those odd rash challenges that often blight his game he could well have an excellent summer.

Once to Watch - Peter Odemwingie

Although not one of the more well known players of this squad, Odemwingie has begun to flourish in recent years for his national side. A pacy right winger, he is more than capable of bombing down the wing and wipping in a cross and cutting inside of unleashing a shot at goal. He was arguably Nigeria's best player at both this years African Nations and during qualifying, and if he builds on that in South Africa a lucrative move could follow.

Manager - Lars Lagerback

The former Sweden coach enjoyed a successful nince year spell in charge of his home nation, before failure to qualify for this years World Cup led to his sacking. However following Shuaibu Amodu's sacking at Nigeria after the African Nations, Lagerback beat a host of candidates including Glenn Hoddle and Sven Goran Eriksson to be boss of Nigeria. If he can utilise his vast experience and that of his players, the Super Eagles could be dark horses to cause an upset.

Odds - 100/1

Prediction - It will no doubt be between Nigeria and Greece for the runners up spot behind Argentina, so if they come out on top in that clash they will be through. However they wouldn't progress much further than the first round of the knockout phase.

South Korea - World Ranking 47

Since there great showing when they co-hosted with Japan in 2002(before which they has never won a World Cup group game), South Korea can no longer rely on the tag of unknown quantities. After beating Portugal in the group and Italy and Spain in the knockouts they were undone by Germany, but they failed to follow it up in 2006 as they crashed out at the group stage.

After finishing top of there qualfying group this time though, they could once again be set to spring a few suprises.

Strengths

One thing South Korea have in abundance is an unbelievable team unity and work ethic. Although a common feature of Asian football it is summed by the South Koreans, who can often simply out work you and cause defeat that way.

Goals are also shared around the side, with attack midfield and defence often chipping in. The midfield often backs up the strikeforce perfectly, something that could also work in there favour.

Weaknesses

As already mentioned the tag of being an unknown entity is now more or less gone, with a lot of the squad now playing there trade at big clubs. However if you delve deeper this is restricted to the attack and defence, with five of the eight defenders playin there trade in South Korea, with one in Japan, one South Korea and the other Germany. Only Lee Young-Pyo is well known, but he is now with Al-Hilal.

Key Man - Park Ji-Sung

Undoubtedly the crown jewel of this side, Park sums up all the qualities that make up football in this country. His disciplined and committed style has earned him cult hero status at old trafford, and he often pops with big performances and goals at key times. Park was key to South Korea's qualification, and will hope to take this form with him to South Africa.

One to Watch - Lee Chung-Yong

The 21-year-old has had a great season at Bolton Wanderers following his move to the Reebok last summer, a season that has seen him linked with a summer move to Liverpool. He likes to get forward and grab goals and assists, and could be a key string in the South Korean bow.

Manager - Huh Jung Moo

An unpopular choice in 2007 when Mick McCarthy and Gerard Houllier were linked with the post, he has since gone unbeaten since his appointment and won around the fans. He has been involved with the national side on many occasion, including three as manager, his incredible run could well come to end this summer as he tries to emulate Guus Hiddink's achievements of 2002.

Odds - 250/1

Prediction - They could well struggle to lift themselves off bottom spot of this group, barring some remarkable results just like eight years ago.

Next Time

Join me tomorrow when I will be taking an in depth look at England.