Former Real Madrid general manager Jorge Valdano described Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's individual rivalry as "very entertaining," pointing to the pair's differing styles as to what marks them out as special.
The La Liga pair have long been considered the two best players in the world—they have shared the last eight Ballon d'Or awards—and there is continuing debate the world over as to who is better, Real Madrid's Ronaldo or Barcelona's Messi.
Valdano indicated they are somewhat incomparable, as they both learned their football in different environments, per AS (via Football Espana):
Ronaldo is the player of the 21st century.