Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo: 10 differences between la Liga's stars

One is Argentine, the other Portuguese. Leo is 1.70metres, Cristiano is 1.85m. One is Blaugrana, the other merengue, the man from Rosario has only ever had one club, the other has had three. These are four differences, but this season various others are being created. Right now, in all competitions, Messi has 37 goals and Cristiano 36. Here are ten more: 

1. La Liga goals in 2015 (Messi 11-3 Cristiano). With the hat-trick against Levante, Messi has hit 11 in seven games. Ronaldo has only three in eight Real Madrid matches, although two of these he was banned from. 

2. More goals, in more games (6-2). Messi has only not scored in one match he has played in the league in 2015, while Ronaldo has not netted in four. 

3. Ronaldo scores more penalties (3-8). Messi completed his hat-trick against Levante from the spot, but Ronaldo has scored 8 of 9 spot kicks given to Real Madrid, while Messi has just 3. The Argentine has four from free-kicks, but despite taking lots, Ronaldo hasn't scored from these. 

4. Lionel Messi has more assists (12-10). The Barcelona forward has created 12 goals for his team-mates, while Ronaldo trails him. 

5. Messi in form, Cristiano unfit. Clearly the state of fitness influences the performance of these players, but the Real Madrid star hasn't been able to reach his physical peak. That's a problem for him, given his explosive football is based on his condition as a super-athlete. Meanwhile, Messi is fit and firing. 

6. Messi is booming in 2015, while Ronaldo falls. The Portuguese star started the season like a rocket, marking 25 league goals in 14 games. However, since the Club World Cup and winning his third Ballon d'Or, Ronaldo has declined, and Messi is the league's star player. Messi had 15 goals in 16 games before the winter break, and 11 in 7 after it. Messi is arriving in top form when the decisive part of the campaign has arrived. 

7. How they work with their team-mates. Messi is clicking with Neymar and Luis Suarez, whereas the BBC trio of Bale, Benzema and Cristiano hasn't been functioning properly together. 

8. Relationship with their coaches. In this case, it's Leo who is out of line, not clicking particularly well with Luis Enrique, while Ronaldo has a good relationship with Carlo Ancelotti. 

9. External attitude. While Leo Messi has maintained a proper public image, even in moments of high tension, Ronaldo has been his own worst enemy in terms of image management. His red card and attitude in some games drew criticism, but there was nothing like throwing a big birthday party the night his team lost to rivals Atletico 4-0. 

10. Messi forever. Cristiano, for how long? The world of football is unpredictable, particularly where loyalty is concerned. But in any case, Messi is not for sale at Barcelona. While Ronaldo at Madrid is not as safe. Florentino Perez may decide to cash in on his star man, who has probably passed his physical peak. But this is pure speculation, we will have to wait and see. That said, Messi has only played professionally for Barcelona, whereas Cristiano has been at Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United and Real Madrid.