Cristiano was closing in on six Ballon d’Ors — suddenly Modrić got one and Messi collected three more.
Cristiano won three FIFA The Best awards — Messi was handed two more.
Cristiano won two international trophies — Argentina somehow got four Copas in six years, a Finalissima and a World Cup.
Cristiano became international football’s record goalscorer — suddenly every Messi friendly started being treated like a World Cup final.
Every time Ronaldo raised the standard, football found a new way to help Messi catch up.
The rivalry was never just Ronaldo vs Messi, It was Ronaldo vs the entire system.