Why is Messi More Loved Than Ronaldo? The Truth Behind the Rivalry
Messi vs Ronaldo: A Rivalry Like No Other
Well, if you’ve been even remotely involved in the world of football, you’ve undoubtedly noticed the endless debates between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo fans. It’s like the most epic rivalry in sports history. But here's the thing—while Ronaldo has a massive following, many would argue that Messi is more loved by the majority. But why? What is it about Messi that resonates so deeply with fans across the globe?
I had a conversation with my friend Ahmed recently, and he made a great point: "Ronaldo is like the rock star of football, while Messi is the quiet genius." And honestly, after thinking about it more, I realized there’s a lot of truth to this comparison. Let’s dive into why Messi is often seen as the more beloved of the two.
The Humility Factor: Messi's Relatability
Messi’s Down-to-Earth Nature
One thing that stands out about Messi is his humility. Unlike Ronaldo, who often embraces his superstar status with confidence bordering on arrogance, Messi stays grounded. Messi doesn't flaunt his wealth or fame. He doesn’t put himself on a pedestal. I remember watching an interview with Messi where he said, “I’m just a guy from Rosario playing football.” It’s refreshing, right?
Honestly, that’s one of the things that drew me to him. He’s not just an icon; he’s relatable. He’s someone fans feel like they can connect with. Ronaldo, on the other hand, is known for his self-promotion, and some people—myself included—find it a little much sometimes. It’s a big reason why Messi seems more likeable to so many.
The "Underdog" Story
Another aspect that endears Messi to fans is his "underdog" story. He was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency as a child and had to fight to prove his worth. He wasn’t always the shining star. I remember reading about his struggles when he moved to Barcelona as a young boy—leaving his family behind in Argentina, dealing with medical treatments, and fighting for a spot on the team. It’s this perseverance that resonates with so many people. He became the greatest not because of luck but through sheer determination and overcoming obstacles.
The Magic on the Field: Messi's Playstyle
Subtlety Over Flashiness
Let’s talk about Messi’s playstyle. Honestly, he’s like an artist on the field. While Ronaldo is a powerhouse—fast, strong, and always in the spotlight—Messi's brilliance comes from his subtlety and skill. It’s like he weaves through defenders with ease, almost as if he’s playing a game of chess while everyone else is stuck in checkers.
In a conversation with my brother, who’s a huge football fan, we both agreed that Messi’s dribbling skills are unparalleled. When Messi takes the ball, you just know something magical is going to happen. His movements are graceful, and everything looks effortless. Watching him is like watching a painter at work, where every stroke is calculated and precise. For many fans, this sense of natural genius is more captivating than Ronaldo’s more muscular and sometimes flashy style.
The Unselfishness
What makes Messi even more likable is his unselfishness. While Ronaldo is often seen as a "me-first" player, someone who thrives on personal glory, Messi’s assists and team-oriented play often take center stage. I mean, who can forget the famous assists he’s provided to teammates like Luis Suárez and Neymar? Messi’s vision and ability to create opportunities for others is a big reason why he’s so admired. He’s not just about scoring goals (though he does that more than anyone) but about making the game beautiful for everyone.
The Emotional Connection: Messi’s Legacy and Loyalty
Staying at Barcelona for So Long
One of the biggest reasons Messi is more loved than Ronaldo is his loyalty to Barcelona. Messi spent over 20 years at the club, building a legacy that is practically inseparable from the team. I know some people say loyalty in football doesn’t mean much, but in Messi’s case, it’s something special. His story with Barcelona is one of dedication and heart. He wasn’t just playing for trophies; he was playing for the badge.
I had a friend, Samir, who once told me, "It’s like Messi grew up with Barcelona, and Barcelona grew up with him." That stuck with me. It’s hard to imagine Messi without Barcelona, and it’s hard to imagine a player who would stick with a single club for that long, especially when it seemed like it was almost easier to move elsewhere.
The Emotional Farewell
When Messi eventually left Barcelona in 2021, it was an emotional moment for all football fans—whether they were fans of Barcelona or not. The fact that he left with tears in his eyes, after everything he had given to the club, made it even more heart-wrenching. The connection Messi has with the fans is something that is rarely seen in football, and it left many people feeling like they had lost a piece of football history. That moment is a testament to the deep emotional bond he has built over the years.
The Global Fanbase: Why Messi’s Popularity Continues to Grow
Messi’s Appeal Beyond Football
Messi’s appeal isn’t just limited to football fans. His journey and personality have made him a global icon. From documentaries to endorsements, Messi has built a reputation that transcends sports. People admire him for what he represents—hard work, resilience, and staying true to oneself despite the glitz and glamour of fame. Even my friend Julia, who’s not a huge football fan, once said, “I just like Messi because he’s humble and doesn’t act like he’s better than everyone.”
In contrast, Ronaldo’s global reach often comes off as more of a business venture, a brand, which some people—myself included—find a bit over the top. Messi’s popularity is rooted in authenticity, and I think that’s a major reason why he’s more loved overall.
Conclusion: Messi’s Heart, Skill, and Legacy
So, why is Messi more loved than Ronaldo? Honestly, it’s not just about his on-field skills (although they’re incredible). It’s his humility, his loyalty, his unselfish play, and the deep emotional connection he has built with fans all over the world. Messi’s story is one of overcoming adversity, playing for the love of the game, and never forgetting where he came from.
I’m not saying Ronaldo doesn’t have his qualities—he’s a phenomenal player, too—but Messi’s connection with fans is simply on another level. It’s like he’s not just playing for trophies, but for the people who adore him. And that’s why, for me and millions of others, Messi will always be more loved than Ronaldo.
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The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.
Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?
How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).
How tall is a average 15 year old?
Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years
| Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
| 15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
| 16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
| 17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
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