Without naming names, Lionel Messi nailed the key difference between him & Cristiano Ronaldo | OneFootball

Following Argentina's dramatic comeback victory over Egypt, Lionel Messi showed what a great teammate he is. This is in stark contrast to how his egotistical long-term rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, acts.

Fabrizio Romano quoted Messi: "I cried because I felt that I let my teammates down because of the penalty I missed… and the way I took it. But thankfully once again, God had something special for me in the end. I’m very happy."

Messi missed a penalty in the 21st minute against Egypt. The Egyptians went on to double their lead. Late goals from Cristian Romero, Messi and then Enzo Fernandez won it for Lionel Scaloni's side.

The Inter Miami player now has a surprisingly bad record from the spot in total at the World Cup. He has converted just four out of eight penalties in the competition. Ronaldo's World Cup penalty success rate is far better, having scored four out of five.

Lionel Messi still has the edge of Cristiano Ronaldo

The Messi versus Ronaldo debate will continue to be argued amongst supporters. However, the fact that Messi has won the World Cup holds him higher in many people's regard. Messi lifted the trophy in 2022 and could claim another this year.

Argentina face Switzerland in the quarter-finals, and then they could play either England or Norway in the semi-finals. Should La Albiceleste progress, then they could be up against any of France, Spain, Morocco or Belgium in the final.

It has all but been confirmed that Ronaldo will never win a World Cup. He is now 41, and Portugal has just been knocked out of the tournament by Spain. Both he and Messi, who is 39, are well into the latter stages of their careers. Neither is playing at the highest level of club soccer anymore, with Messi in MLS and Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr.

It will still be subjective as to who is better individually between Messi and Ronaldo. However, as soccer is a team game, Messi being more about the collective is a reason why many rate him higher than Ronaldo.

Many supporters feel that Ronaldo is holding Portugal back now. He still scored three goals in five games at the World Cup this summer. This included a brace against Uzbekistan. However, Roberto Martinez's side certainly looks more dynamic when Goncalo Ramos is playing up front instead of Ronaldo.

Many fans were surprised that Messi did not retire from international soccer after winning the World Cup in 2022. However, if he can deliver a second World Cup trophy, then Messi cannot be regarded as anything but the greatest of all time.