Given it’s previous winners, it’s no surprise that La Liga’s ‘Pichichi’ – or Golden Boot – is one of the most sought-after individual honours in World Football.
From past greats like Alfredo di Stefano, Ferenc Puskas, Mario Kempes and Hugo Sanchez, to this generation’s greatest players – including Ronaldo, Raul, Van Nistelrooy and Eto’o – the list of previous Pichichi winners is like a ‘Who’s Who’ of footballing legends.
But this year’s quest to be Spain’s top scorer will likely be one to live in the memory as two of the best players on the planet are taking their professional rivalry to the next level.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have both enjoyed spectacular seasons thus far, leaving records and milestones in their wake. Seperated by great rivalries from just about all corners – from their respective clubs storied history to the ‘battle of the brands’ between their sponsors.
But both players hold one Pichichi trophy each already, both scored this weekend, both stand on 35 goals in La Liga this season and both have 9 games left to add to their tally.
The stats are somewhat surprising; famed for his free-kick technique, Ronaldo is yet to actually score from a set-piece in the League this season – preferring instead the penalty spot, where the Portuguese has bagged 10 in the 2011-12 campaign.
Whereas Messi has bagged two free-kicks, and scored a remarkable 29 with his feet from open play.
Who do you think will come out on top in this duel between to of the planet’s best footballers?
Let us know by voting in our poll! [poll id=”52″]
And tell us why with a comment!
Viva Ronaldo!! Will beat Messi any day…..
jajaja, yeah like the 3 last “Ballon d’Or”.    poor Ronalda
I think ronaldo will make it because he has got the power to strike from distance that messi hasn’t got..