Messi or Ronaldo?
It's soccer's version of “chocolate or vanilla?” Or perhaps “dogs or cats?” or “flour tortillas vs. corn” – a simple statement of preference that's a litmus test for some, a defining summation of a person's soccer taste.
Charlotte Hornets coach Steve Clifford sees much the same dynamic in pro basketball, where the mighty LeBron James led the Cleveland Cavaliers past Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors in a riveting NBA Finals last month.
The NBA, he believes, is presently dominated by a duel of constrasting superstars just like world footy, where slight, unassuming Lionel Messi produces mind-blowing skill and intelligence on the ball and Cristiano is the sculpted, preening prototype of the modern player.
“Ronaldo would be like ... he would be LeBron,” Clifford told ESPN last week. “He's the best player – now I would say from a money standpoint and everything and endorsements, I don't know how much he makes, but I'm sure it's pretty incredible.
“I would say Messi, of the current players, would be more like Steph. You know, totally skilled-based. Not as physically imposing. I would say Ronaldo would be more like LeBron. Obviously a great skill level, but also Ronaldo's speed and strength is also so exceptional."
A soccer nut who supports Manchester United and partially credits his love of the beautiful game to the influence of players he's coached like Steve Nash, Kobe Bryant and Marcin Gortat, Clifford said any coach would jump at the chance to build a team around either Messi or Ronaldo.
“Oh man. It's like when people say who would you want: LeBron or Steph? If you could get either one of them you'd be happy,” he said. “Look, if you could have either one of those guys, you just take it and you have a smile on your face.”
