saw the original Ronnie at the 2002 WC semi and final....the difference maker no question. There is a case that he could be the GOAT....that illness in 98 and injuries muddy the water. Had he been 100% in 98 Brazil would likely have won that final....and without his injuries he'd have another 2-3 CL. Debate would now be whether anyone is better than The PhenomenonRonaldo has 2 both winners, a golden ball and a golden boot, in fact if memory serves, he should have had three but was ill before the final in 94? Point is Messi has played in very strong Argentina sides, and although there is always some internal politics, he has never produced his Barca form in world cup. If he had he would have been the difference to them winning the big one imo. I am not trying to put him down in anyway, but it's the difference for me between Ronaldo and Messi, and why I put Ronnie slightly above Messi in the list of best in my lifetime. Argentina without Maradonna for example would never have lifted the world cup in 86.