Cristiano Ronaldo is the only man to have got closer to traditional rival Lionel Messi throughout the course of their long playing careers.
Both of the widely celebrated players own 13 Ballons d’Or between them and many mentions in the history books, according to Goal.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are two of the most successful players to have ever graced the games, along with claiming domestic, national and international honours.
When it comes to comparisons between two icons of the football world, Capello is, however, eager to point out that one star rises higher than the other.
The former Real Madrid and Juventus boss told reporters at the Laureus World Sports Awards: "[Ronaldo] is a great player. He won titles, he won the Ballon d’Or, but as I said before, it’s not as great as how Messi has been. For me, if you talk to me about Cristiano Ronaldo or Messi, I will say Messi. Ronaldo is a great scorer, shoots, does everything, knows how to do everything, but he is not a genius. Very simple."
Despite now being 39 and 36 years of age respectively, Ronaldo and Messi are both going strong in 2024.
While his Argentine foe is starring for Inter Miami in MLS, CR7 has broken the 40-goal barrier again at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.
Additionally, at the European Championship and Copa America events, both have international trophies to chase down this summer.
