Cristiano Ronaldo indeed is one of the fastest players in football on the pitch, Ronaldo has broken so many records for himself and he keep creating other record. Cristiano Ronaldo is known for his speed on the field, and he has marked a record of running at a top speed in mph of around 21.1 miles per hour (33.95 kilometers per hour, but there are debate question like Messi vs Ronaldo top speed rating among fans.
The Portuguese superstar isn’t just a goal scorer also a quick and fast player to ever play the football. His acceleration and strength are fierce, playing in the English premier league, Spanish La liga and Italian Serie A has proven that his speed, strength was his advantage over opponents.
Messi vs. Ronaldo Top Speed
The debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo has been one of the most exciting discussions in football history. With both legends nearing the end of their decorated careers, it’s a perfect time to revisit their incredible attributes.
While we’ve seen them break and create records and entertain fans, today we’ll delve into a specific aspect of their game: their speed on the pitch.
Messi speed vs Ronaldo speed rating
Speed is an important attribute in football, influencing various aspects of play. It isn’t just about how fast a player can run in a straight line; it’s also about acceleration, average speed, and speed with the ball. Let’s break down each of these elements to see how Messi and Ronaldo stack up.
Messi speed vs Ronaldo Top Speed in kmph
When it comes to straight-line speed, Cristiano Ronaldo holds the edge. His powerful physique and long strides have helped him achieve a top speed of around 40 km/h, which he demonstrated during a Premier League match against West Ham United.
For context, Kylian Mbappé, another speedster, reaches about 35.67 km/h. In contrast, Messi’s top speed is around 32.5 km/h. While he may not match Ronaldo’s peak velocity, this doesn’t tell the whole story.
Also read: Messi vs Ronaldo free kick comparison stats
Messi vs Ronaldo Acceleration
Acceleration is important for getting up to top speed quickly. Both players are remarkable in this regard, but Messi’s acceleration is often noted as being exceptionally sharp.
Ronaldo’s ability to sprint 96 meters in 10 seconds is impressive and shows his explosive power, but Messi’s quick bursts make him incredibly effective in tight spaces.
Speed With the Ball
Here’s where things get confusing. When there’s no one to challenge them, Ronaldo can cover ground swiftly by kicking the ball ahead and sprinting to it. However, when defenders are closing in, Messi’s speed with the ball is a game-changer. His dribbling skills are second to none, allowing him to maneuver through defenders with remarkable speed and control.
Messi vs Ronaldo Average Speed
Average speed reflects how consistently a player maintains their pace throughout a game. Messi has an average speed of 23 km/h, slightly higher than Ronaldo’s 22 km/h.
This difference might seem minor, but it highlights Messi’s continuous involvement and movement during matches, as he tends to engage in more playmaking and positional shifts.
Messi speed vs Ronaldo speed Stats
Looking at more detailed statistics, the 2017-2018 season offers some insights. Ronaldo averaged a sprint distance of 107 meters per game, indicating his propensity for direct, speedy runs.
Meanwhile, Messi averaged 112 accelerations per game, showcasing his exceptional agility and quick directional changes in tight spaces.
Head-to-Head Comparison
In high-stakes matches like the El Clásico, both players’ speed has been on display. Ronaldo’s explosive runs often catch defenders off-guard, while Messi’s ability to shift pace and direction can leave opponents scrambling. These contrasting styles illustrate how each player uses their speed to their advantage.
Beyond their personal statistics, Messi and Ronaldo’s speed influences their teams’ strategies. Ronaldo’s rapid counterattacks and ability to exploit gaps in defenses make him a key asset for quick transitions.
Messi’s agility and precise dribbling contribute to complex build-ups and unlocking defenses with creative plays.
In summary, both Messi and Ronaldo are exceptional in their own right. Ronaldo’s raw speed and power are unmatched, while Messi’s agility and dribbling ability make him equally formidable.
Their unique attributes highlight why they are among the greatest footballers of all time and continue to captivate fans worldwide.
If you are looking for a player with good speed without being marked by defenders then Ronaldo is the man while there many other fastest players in football but if you seek a player capable of running with the ball while the defenders are on him then Messi is your man.
What is your take on our Speed poll for Messi and Ronaldo below
