Messi vs. Ronaldo 2015: Barcelona Star At His Finest; Ballon d'Or Winner At his Worst

The rivarly returned this weekend when Cristiano Ronaldo's two-match ban was finally lifted and he was allowed to compete for his club against its crosstown rivals. Meanwhile Lionel Messi and Barcelona looked to continue their hot play at Athletic Bilbao.

Why Neymar, Messi & Barcelona Took Down Atletico Madrid in 2015 Copa del Rey

For the third time this season, Barcelona bested Atletico Madrid Wednesday, eliminating the defending Spanish League champions from the Copa del Rey. As a result, Blaugrana, which no longer has to face either of two Madrid sides, is the now the runaway favorite to claim the Copa del Rey. Latin Post.com breaks down the game and why

Messi vs. Ronaldo 2015: Anything Ronaldo Can Do, Messi Can Do Better At Start of 2015

After a woeful start to 2015, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi sought out new means to get back on track. Over the last two weeks the two players have gotten opportunities to pad their numbers in the Spanish League and Copa del Rey.

Messi vs. Ronaldo 2015: Could Rivals Play on Same Team; Would it Work?

Everyone and their mother has probably dreamed up the scenario at some point in their lives. But few would ever have even brought the conversation up as a serious talking point if Cristiano Ronaldo had not said the following during his Ballon d'Or press conference: "It would be nice to have the three of us together on the same team. That would be a good thing!"

Ballon d'Or 2015: Does a Strong World Cup Lead to Winning the Best Player of the Year Award?

While most see it as a done deal that Cristiano Ronaldo will hoist his second straight Ballon d'Or and his third overall, there are some that view Manuel Neuer as the true contender to run away with the individual honor. Goaltending and the Ballon d'Or was analyzed in depth in a previous post, but one perspective is that Neuer's involvement in the World Cup winning side should have a huge bearing on the outcome for the personal award. In fact, many have been vocal about it.

Barcelona Soccer News: Can La Masia Save Lionel Messi, Neymar, Luis Suarez & Company?

Can Barcelona B save Barcelona during its transfer ban?

Messi vs. Ronaldo 2015: With Ballon d'Or Looming, Both Stars Get Off to Poor Starts in 2015

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi looked to get their respective 2015 campaigns off to a great start. Ronaldo finished the year with a bit of a slump as he struggled to score in the FIFA Club World Cup. Meanwhile his great rival had been finding new ways to consistently score for Barcelona. Heading into this week, Ronaldo had an 8-5 lead on his rival. Would he add to the lead? Or see Messi creep ever closer?

Messi vs. Ronaldo 2014-15: Which Player Had a More Ballon d'Or Worthy Year?

One more time and this time with some feeling. All year round, the world monitors the performances of the two best players in the entire world. Lionel Messi's rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo probably spurs more arguments than any other topic in the world with two rather decisive camps. But when all is said and done, the numbers and results do not lie. One player and one player only had the better year in the 2014.

Ballon d'Or 2015: How Does Messi's Year Compare With Other Award-Winning Seasons?

When was the last time Lionel Messi was not in the running for the Ballon d’Or as a finalist? That would be 2007 when he finished third behind Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo for the award. This year he is up for his fifth, and while some believe that Ronaldo has the award locked up and ready to go, it is possible that the Argentine superstar, possibly the greatest to ever lace up cleats, could win the personal award.

Ballon d'Or 2015 Predictions, Analysis: Ronaldo Still Favorite to Beat Messi, But What About Neuer?

On Monday, FIFA finally announced the three finalists for the 2014 Ballon d'Or which will be handed out in January. Voting has already closed, so the winner has already been determined. But will Cristiano Ronaldo beat out Lionel Messi? Or will Manuel Neuer pull away with the trophy?

Messi vs. Ronaldo 2014-15: Messi Breaks More Records; Ronaldo the Playmaker

It was another terrific week for both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of their inclusion among the finalists in this year's additions of the Ballon d'Or. But which one came out on top?

Lionel Messi Transfer Rumors 2014: Why It's Time for Legend to Move On to Newer Challenges

Is Lionel Messi Leaving Barcelona in the near future?

Messi vs. Ronaldo 2015: The Best & Worst of Messi, Ronaldo's Solid Run Continues

The battle between the two best players in the world continued this past week. Both superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi had chances to test their respective mettles in two games, including a Spanish League tilt and Champions League bout. How did they manage? Would Ronaldo continue his hot streak or would Messi take the week?

Messi vs. Ronaldo 2014-15: Ronaldo Adds 22nd Hat-Trick, Messi Scores Two Goals in Week 6

After tremendous performances in Week Five and looking to continuing increasing their impressive stats, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo continued their rivalry this weekend with two big games in Week Six of the 2014-15 Champions League and La Liga seasons.

Messi vs. Ronaldo 2014-15: Ronaldo Scores Five, Messi Turns Player Maker in Week 5?

The Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo competition continued in Week 5 as both superstars had two big opportunities to continue showcasing their individual skills. A week ago, Ronaldo had put up four goals in two matches while leading Real Madrid to two morale boosting victories. Meanwhile, Messi had been the catalyst for two Barcelona wins in the Champions League and Spanish League, all the while scoring one goal and three assists.

Real Madrid vs. Barcelona Clasico 2014-15: Which Side Has Gotten Most From Summer Acquisitions?

Real Madrid and Barcelona made huge investments into their team this summer. For Real Madrid the summer was about improving the team that won the European championship while Barcelona was in an accelerated rebuild. The team was coming off a year without a single trophy and needed to inject new blood into its fading game plan. But more importantly, the team faced a year without being able to do more transfers in January or the summer of 2015. The teams are now four weeks into their respective season. While this is a rather small sample size it is a great moment to take stock of how their additions have contributed and whether they look to be major successes. More importantly, the two sides are slated to meet in a little over a month. The next few weeks should only add to expectations for the big game.
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