Ronaldo v. Messi: The Chronological History of Rivalry

Ronaldo v. Messi: The Chronological History of Rivalry

Written by: Vincent Cao

           

            The rivalry between Ronaldo and Messi has been the topic of interest for the recent soccer filled century. Who is truly better? Is it Messi with his eloquent dribbling, masterful passing, and expert team leadership? Or Ronaldo, with his flair, his goal scoring drive, and his “clutch” ability? This week, amidst the Champions League matches, Ronaldo scored a hat trick in Istanbul on Tuesday. Following this spectacular demonstration of talent, Messi answered skeptic critics of his superior role to Ronaldo by scoring a hat trick in Barcelona. According to various articles, with titles such as “Messi Can Be Upstaged, but Not for Long,” sports enthusiasts have claimed that Messi’s talent outweighs that of Ronaldo. This situation parallels the importance of the topics covered in class. In class, we discussed the importance of chronology within literary works, with technical terms such as analepsis and prolepsis. These important topics apply to the perception on the rivalry between these two soccer figures. As an audience, had we encountered flashbacks into the seemingly overwhelming success that Ronaldo experienced, overshadowing Messi’s career, would we perceive Ronaldo to be superior to Messi? With Messi being two years younger than Ronaldo, would a prolepsis ultimately reveal Ronaldo’s career gradually declining before Messi’s career? Or what about an example of in media res, in which we, as the audience, are immersed within the middle of both of their careers. Would their struggle and competition fit into context? Or would they just be painted as two successful, separate soccer players. Currently, soccer fans find it impossible to discuss Messi without discussing Ronaldo, or vice-versa. The questions, however, that remains  encompass how chronology played a part in shaping this rivalry, this epitome of intense competition. As viewers to this worldwide phenomenon between two individuals, we are subjected to the influences of time. We judge these men based on each of their performances in relation to one another. If Messi were to perform poorly after Ronaldo performed exceptionally, journalists would immediately be sparking up headlines on the ousted champion of soccer. However, what if Ronaldo were to perform exceptionally after Messi performed poorly? Would this situation still change our perception on the standings among this rivalry?

            Throughout this entire situation, we viewers can map out the rise and fall of this rivalry. With regards to the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution, a specific moment in both Ronaldo’s and Messi’s career can be identified as a component of a larger scheme. But who ultimately wins in the end? That’s the golden question. 

“Messi Can Be Upstaged, but Not for Long”

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/20/sports/soccer/messi-can-be-upstaged-but-not-for-long.html?ref=sports