Tanya Lee | Messi, Ronaldo and the big occasion

In last week's article, I asked who the greatest footballer in history is by attempting to compare Messi, Ronaldo, Maradona and Pele. I didn't attempt to separate Pele and Maradona because I don't compare athletes across eras, but I do believe that in the generational race between Messi and Ronaldo, Ronaldo, over the last two seasons, has been making a more compelling case than the skilful Argentinean. A real shame, considering that Messi had a 4-1 lead over Ronaldo in the Ballon D'Or race, which is now solidly locked at five awards apiece.

For me, the great separator between Messi and Ronaldo is the massive display of heart and showmanship that Ronaldo continues to exhibit in crucial moments. I don't think there is any question as to who displays more natural skill with the football. That is unquestionably and unequivocally Messi. But Ronaldo's immense work rate and valiant efforts are the stuff legends are made of.

Team sports require much more than individual skill and captivating plays, and while both Messi and Ronaldo have impressive and comparable individual statistics and make invaluable contributions to their teams, Ronaldo has more consistently risen to the tough occasions to eke out better results for his teams. Ronaldo is the consummate big-occasion baller.

Which leads me to ask, based on the results over the last two seasons, is Messi's star beginning to dim? Is he still unquestionably magical, or are there more questions than answers surrounding Messi's greatness?

I personally have many questions for Messi. I question Messi's passion and leadership on the big occasions. I question his drive and interest in being crowned football's best as I hardly see it translate to a massive win when all is at stake. I question his dedication to Argentina, especially after he announced his retirement after missing a crucial penalty kick and losing the Copa America final. It makes me wonder if he really cares about being the greatest or it's just his fans who have that obsession. I don't know because Messi never quite displays how he feel. If football were poker, he'd win every time.

MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

Contrastingly, Cristiano Ronaldo fancies himself the man to make the difference. He relishes a challenge and any opportunity to display his strengths. He leads from the front and lifts his teams around him. Any team. It accounts for why an average team like Portugal, a team with less stars than Argentina, I might add, are current Euro Champions. It accounts for why Real Madrid are back-to-back Champions League victors, and it accounts for why they are current La Liga champions.

Messi just hasn't come up big enough often enough in recent seasons. For now, he remains a club great who needs to find another magical moment.

This season I had Messi and Barcelona to win the Champions League. In my January column, I gave Messi the nod because Real Madrid were struggling and had the daunting task of PSG in the round of 16.

Fast-forward to this week, and Messi is again missing when it matters most. He was magical on the weekend scoring a hat trick in the Spanish la Liga. But Barcelona didn't need that win. Fast-forward to Tuesday, when Barcelona needed just one goal to counter a solid Roma attack, and he goes missing again. Frustration once again for his fans.

Contrastingly, Ronaldo delivered in what was a high-tension match against Juventus on Wednesday. Ronaldo knew what was at stake and sent a solid pass to Vasquez, who was fouled in the dying minutes. It was Ronaldo's time to save the day with a penalty kick. He soaked up the pressure, remain composed, and delivered with a highly placed goal that would have beaten any keeper. Real and Ronaldo are off to what could be a record three successive Champions league titles.

I look forward to a great summer from both Messi and Ronaldo, who I still maintain have to lift the World Cup trophy if either is to claim football supremacy. Messi has the perfect occasion of this summer to show that he can achieve all that I have accused him of lacking because Argentina has possibly the most prolific strike force going to the tournament. Let's see if Messi can make his magic then. One Love.

- Tanya Lee is a Caribbean sports marketer and author.