Messi arguably is more skillful than Ronaldo but Ronaldo brings more to the table than Messi. A more determined character, more dedicated to improve, more motivated to win. Did you see that perfect free kick from a distance? That 3rd goal differentiates him from everyone else!
I'll NEVER undermine Lionel Messi. I believe he's the most talented footballer alive. I've a soft spot for his club FCBarcelona. After Liverpool FC, they're my next best club but...If there's anyone that has benefited from Messi in this game, it's Cristiano Ronaldo!
Ronaldo has character & is innately wired to strive to be the best. He has used Messi as a standard to better, & has through determination, hardwork, endurance & strength of character, perfected himself in the game to arguably favorably compete with him ATM.
Like I said, both players motivate eachother, but Ronaldo has slight edge over Messi through that edge of pushing himself way above normal human endurance levels, just because he wants to be a better player. Perhaps if there wasn't a Messi, Ronaldo wouldn't have been this good.
Yes Messi has scored many absolutely beautiful free kicks & might even be the best in the biz, but nothing personifies CR7 by the preparation, mental concentration, physical determination which was literally tangible, to score that particular goal. That's the edge. Character!
Lionel Messi is an alien, Cristiano Ronaldo is the super human that has battled him to a standstill.