Ronaldo vs. Messi: Euro 2024 as the Ultimate Duel for Soccer Supremacy

With Cristiano Ronaldo nearing the end of his career, Euro 2024 presents a crucial opportunity for him to secure a major international trophy and potentially alter his legacy in the ongoing debate against Lionel Messi.

For over a decade, the soccer world has been captivated by the rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, a comparison that has become synonymous with the LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan debate in basketball. However, the past 18 months have witnessed a significant shift in this hypothetical battle, with Messi's triumph at the 2022 World Cup delivering what many consider the decisive blow.

This clash of extraordinary talents extends beyond the fans, with both Ronaldo and Messi deeply invested in the comparison, albeit with varying levels of outward expression. In the past, players associated with Ronaldo or Messi often aligned themselves accordingly, but that unwritten rule has begun to crumble.

Toni Kroos, a former Real Madrid teammate of Ronaldo, initially echoed the sentiments of many by declaring his allegiance to Ronaldo in 2018. However, following Messi's World Cup triumph, Kroos shifted his stance, stating that Messi "deserves" the title of GOAT for his consistent individual performances.

Wayne Rooney, another former teammate of Ronaldo, has also crossed the divide, acknowledging Messi's exceptional abilities despite their shared history at Manchester United.

Despite the changing tides, Ronaldo maintains a loyal fanbase that vehemently defends his status. Former colleagues like Louis Saha and Tomasz Kuszczak have come to his aid, while Real Madrid players frequently speak highly of his tenure there.

Heading into Euro 2024, there's a growing consensus among pundits that Portugal may perform better with Ronaldo on the bench, basing their beliefs on his underwhelming displays at the World Cup rather than his stellar qualifying campaign.

Ronaldo and Portugal will open their Euro 2024 campaign against the Czech Republic on June 18, aiming to advance comfortably from Group F, which also includes Turkey and Georgia.

FOX soccer expert Alexi Lalas believes the rivalry between Ronaldo and Messi, who will represent Argentina in the upcoming Copa América, still holds immense significance. He views their mutual respect and resentment as a driving force behind their respective greatness.

In the grand scheme of things, soccer fans are the ultimate beneficiaries of this extraordinary rivalry. As Euro 2024 unfolds, Ronaldo will have one final opportunity to stake his claim as the undisputed GOAT, while Messi will seek to further solidify his legacy with a Copa América triumph.