The year 2023 has been quite spectacular for Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese superstar is enjoying a decent run both domestically and on the international stage. Yet, the 38-year-old recently found himself overshadowed by none other than his long-term rival, Lionel Messi, after a former Manchester United star snubbed CR7 in favor of LM10. It is strange to see United players showing no love for the Portuguese superstar!

Even as Ronaldo currently holds the title of top scorer in 2023, he again finds himself grappling with the formidable presence of Messi.

Former Manchester United star snubs Cristiano Ronaldo over Lionel Messi

This season’s numbers are enough to prove Ronaldo is in sparkling form. The Portuguese legend has already scored over 40 goals this season, both domestically and internationally. However, despite such large numbers, CR7 was forced to face the wrath of none other than his arch-rival, Messi.

Significantly, the former Manchester United legend, Robin van Persie, revealed his top three strikers in the world. Without giving much thought, the Netherlands legend named Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, and Erling Haaland as the best players in the world right now. Indeed, it is quite an unexpected pick from van Persie.

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Certainly, this won’t settle well with Ronaldo. Despite playing outside Europe, the 38-year-old has overpowered the likes of Mbappe and Haaland in terms of goal-scoring output. Both generational talents have scored 35 and 39 goals so far in 2023. CR7 even received praise from another United legend, Rio Ferdinand, for this feat. Yet van Persie swiftly rejected him and chose the Inter Miami star instead.

Meanwhile, let’s dive deeper to compare Messi and Ronaldo’s seasons so far in 2023.

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2023 so far for La Pulga and CR7!

While international action still takes center stage, Messi’s 2023 domestic season came to a premature end. It occurred after Inter Miami dropped out of the MLS playoff race owing to the injury he suffered during his national duty. Nevertheless, the Argentinean maestro shone in his debut season, scoring 11 goals and providing five assists in 14 games for David Beckham’s soccer franchise. Additionally, he led the Herons to victory in the Leagues Cup.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo’s domestic and international trains are steamrolling smoothly. The Portuguese veteran has netted 14 goals and contributed seven assists for Al Nassr so far. He also played a pivotal role in helping the Riyadh side secure the AFC Club Champions Cup. Undoubtedly, both Messi and Ronaldo have had impressive seasons. While Ronaldo maintains the advantage of an ongoing domestic season over Messi, it’s balanced by the Argentine’s Ballon d’Or nomination, which the Portuguese star failed to secure. Thus, do you think Van Persie is right?

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