Rivalries

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi need no introduction on the field. The two play for the two biggest teams in the world, are the two best players in the world, and are the two most recognizable faces in soccer. As such, every year the debate of Messi vs Ronaldo flares up, and this year is no different. 

So, in order to provide some fuel for the fire, we here at The18 have taken up the task of comparing Messi vs Ronaldo in an assortment of ways: the basics, professionally, financially, and even a light social segment. 

Let’s begin. 

Legendary Arsenal striker Thierry Henry once said that he would have his son study Thomas Muller, should his son take to football as a passion. It was interesting, because one would think that he would have had his son study one of the two best players in the world: Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi. Henry’s logic was that, while he admires Ronaldo and Messi, they are freaks of nature, inimitable.

Great teams raise their games when the stakes are highest. So do great fanbases. So do great fighters. So do members of great fanbases who are also great fighters, or at least willing fighters.

This is what happened Saturday in the Rose Bowl during the USA vs. Mexico match. The game itself was one of the most exciting clashes in recent memory. It was made even more exciting for the select few fans who got to be near/participate in this brawl.

The Donald is now embroiled in the USMNT-El Tri rivalry. TV Azteca made a (thoroughly awesome) commercial that spliced some of Donald Trump's more cringeworthy moments with Mexican soccer players, and particularly Mexican soccer players who have played in the U.S., doing cool stuff.

The Star-Spangled Banner playing in the background was a nice touch. 

Even though we are fans of the USA, we are forced to admit that the commercial was pretty cool. Hopefully the U.S. can produce a commercial to match it, but we have our doubts.

It is absolutely shocking that North Korea has allowed itself to fall in love with soccer. For those who don’t know, the totalitarian state does all it can to repress its population, which has little freedom and almost no opportunity to express itself. Information on the outside world is controlled to the point that the average citizen probably knows less about world politics than you or I know about the chemical composition of Raid.

In a classic derby match where rivalry and home pride is all that matters, there is no telling what fans will do to help give their club any extra boost to win the match. New York is new to the whole derby experience, but that doesn’t mean they are short of energy and passion.