Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi

The goals flowed and the records tumbled as the Portuguese and the Argentine rampaged through defences the world over.

In celebration of their magnificent achievements, we chart just how the year unfolded for the world's two greatest players. 

 

6 In Real Madrid's first match following the winter break, Ronaldo scores twice in a 3-0 win over Celta Vigo to surpass 400 professional goals in 653 appearances for club and country. He dedicates the goals to the great Eusebio, who died two days earlier.

8 Messi returns from the hamstring injury that had kept him sidelined since November and scores twice in a 4-0 Copa del Rey win over Getafe.

11 Messi comes off the bench at half-time but can't inspire Barcelona to victory over title rivals Atletico Madrid. The tense game ends 0-0. Barcelona stay top, but only goal difference splits them from Atleti.

13 Ronaldo beats Messi in the FIFA Ballon d'Or vote, breaking the Argentine's four-year winning streak. The Portuguese polls 1,365 points, Messi claims 1,205 and third-placed Franck Ribery 1,127. Ronaldo breaks down in tears as he accepts his trophy in Zurich.

15 Ronaldo marks being crowned the world's best player by opening the scoring in Real's 2-0 win at Osasuna in the Copa del Rey.

16 Not wanting to be out-done, Messi scored twice as Barcelona wrap up a 6-0 aggregate round of Getafe in the Cup last 16.

18 Ronaldo's 10th-minute opener at Real Betis sparks a goal rush as Real win 5-0 and reach the 50-point mark in La Liga.

25 Real are made to work hard but Ronaldo's 56th-minute goal sets them on the way to a 2-0 home win over Granada.

(dailymail.co.uk)