The infernal 'Messi or Ronaldo' debate trundles endlessly along mainly because of both men's determination to match exactly what the other has done.
This mighty competition has now entered the theatre of the absurd, however, as earlier this month Ronaldo followed Messi into being investigated by the Spanish authorities for tax fraud.
Messi was convicted, but won't face any jail time, and in response, Barcelona responded with the single most ridiculous thing a football club has ever done. Ever.
They launched a social media campaign, using the #WeAreAllMessi (well, we're not, as not everyone has been convicted of tax fraud) in support of their most important player. Read this word-by-word mockery of the Mes Que Un Club idea:
FC Barcelona has set up a campaign in support of Leo Messi following the sentence issued this week against the Argentinian and his father.
Using the hashtag #WeAreAllLeoMessi while posting a photo or message with both hands open, the campaign is encouraging all Barça fans to express their sympathy for the greatest footballer in the world by voicing their unconditional support on social networks.
By making it clear that #WeAreAllMessi, we want Leo to know that he is not alone. All members, supporters clubs, fans, athletes, media and everyone else are invited to participate.
Pitiful.
Now that Ronaldo has been levelled with the same charges, he wasn't going to be content with Messi being the only player to force one of the world's biggest clubs into pathetic, sycophantic garbage. He decided to float about some rumours that he had decided to leave Madrid owing to a "lack of protection" from the club.
So there's been plenty of links with Manchester United and PSG, amid reports that Ronaldo's decision was "irreversible". Respected reports today, however, say that Real's president Florentino Perez public showering of Ronaldo with love has placated their star.
Ronaldo is a Madrid player, we’re delighted with him, [but] there was a story in the paper that said he was annoyed with the treatment given to his tax issue. I think the best thing for him and Madrid is for him to stay: we’ll see what happens.
Right now, Cristiano is a Real Madrid player and something very strange would have to happen for him not to be, and I am not [even] contemplating that.
Now, reports in AS, by reporters close to Jorge Mendes, claim that Ronaldo's tantrum is over:
AS's closest journalist to Jorge Mendes saying today that Ronaldo has been calmed down by Perez defence of him and no longer wants to leave
— Richard Martin (@Rich9908) June 21, 2017
