Between Ronaldo And Messi: Which One Are You?

Christiana Ronaldo is the best player, some say. Others counter and claim it is Lionel Messi. I am not interested in judging who the best player is. However, what exactly interests me is the unique characteristics of these players and how we can intelligently and creatively make an application of these two characters in real-life situations.

The love many have for these players cannot be overemphasized. When you see guys arguing about who the real GOAT (greatest of all time) is, you would think they were battling for their lives. They argue like they have been charged with murder. However, these swift and gracious players are unarguably unique in their separate ways. Be informed that in the football of life, you need to be as reserved as Messi, but I put it to you that when craze is needed, give to it Ronaldo. That is the only way to survive in this ever-changing world.

Does it not astonish you to see how the best playmaker and dribbler in the world stays humble, cool and reserved? On the field, even in high-pressure situations, Messi keeps his cool. He plays with "steeze and composure" even under pressure. Messi is like that African child every parent wishes to raise. The African mentality of "You should always be respectful, you should learn to be patient, you should not talk when an elderly person talks" and so on. Fine, all of those are good. It is evidence of being cultured and responsible. However, a touch of Ronaldo is also paramount in overcoming challenges.

Have you seen anyone who would publicly pronounce himself as the world's best even before being nominated? Only Ronaldo could do that. You need not others' approval to declare yourself as whatever you think you are. There must be a self-consciousness and awareness of one's identity. What you do not see in yourself, others cannot see in you. Ronaldo is that swift and relentless player that carries himself with so much ego. Ronaldo is so agile and full of energy. That energy is essentially necessary in facing and overcoming one’s fear.

Moving on to the question "which one are you?", you need to examine your personality to be sure of any answer. Are you Messi or Ronaldo? Are you that reserved and cool as Messi that still keeps cool even in the face of challenges? Or you are that egoistic Ronaldo that overcomes challenges with so much agility? Whichever you think you are, you need a touch of the other half to make a balanced life. However, if one exhibits the characteristics of a Messi, and one does not add a pinch of Ronaldo, one will be inevitably taken for granted. And as a Ronaldo, if one underestimates a touch of Messi, and does not stay calm when one ought to, one's overzealousness may be disastrous.

To sum up, in order to survive in this ever-changing world, a fragment of Messi as well as a fragment of Ronaldo are essentially needed to navigate life.

Motunrayo Mary Joel is a student at Lagos State University, Ojo.