Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are two of the greatest soccer players to ever play the game. Because of their status on top of the world's sporting stage, Messi and Ronaldo can't avoid constant comparison.
While the gliding Messi holds the edge in deft passing and lifetime assists, Ronaldo has the recent champions league wins to give him a slight edge. The two players share so many records in numbers of titles and awards that, on paper, it is difficult to tell them apart.
At the start of this year's world cup in Russia, it appears Ronaldo's hot streak has continued while Messi struggled to place scoring shots. However, never count the resilient Messi and his Argentina national team, the Albicelestes, out of a close match.
While these men compete on the field, the styles of their amazingly nuevo and luxurious homes seem to be in a tight match as well.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Modern Madrid Mansion
Ronaldo is a stylish guy, so his home design reflects that. Located on the prestigious La Finca Residential Estates in Madrid, Ronaldo's house is hard to miss. His oversized front door features his initials engraved in 8-inch letters on the metal facing.
The living space is 8,600 square feet and worth £4.8million. In addition to the seven bedrooms and eight bathrooms, there's a trophy room where Ronaldo keeps his four golden boots and his three UEFA Best Player in Europe trophies among many, many others.
The polished marble hallway's main centerpiece is a floor-to-ceiling black and white photograph of Ronaldo and his son, Cristiano Jr. Another part of the house contains a painting of his late father, José Dinis Aveiro. The effect places Cristiano as a centered guy for whom family is important. He knows where he came from–and where he is going.
A wood-paneled home gym has all of the equipment Ronaldo needs to stay fit off the pitch. His boys like to watch him work out. They probably imagine the day they'll be able to leg press over 1,000 pounds like their dad.
A balcony gives a view of the large pool surrounded by wood plank decking. There are plenty of places to lounge inside and out. Wicker daybeds provide comfort around the house and pool. They are large enough for the whole family–his girlfriend Georgina and their four children– to snuggle up together.
When traveling stateside, Cristiano Ronaldo can stay at his $7.2-million penthouse in New York. During training with his national team, he'll camp at his $2-million apartment in the center of Lisbon, Portugal.
Lionel Messi's Barcelona Base
Messi has lived in Barcelona most of his life. Contrary to an internet rumor, the famous footballer's house does not resemble a giant soccer ball. Instead, Messi owns a multi-level white contemporary mansion overlooking the Catalan hills, near the Mediterranean.
He bought the house for $1.8 million but has put an additional $6 million in renovations into it since 2009.
White walls and light wood floors complete the Mediterranean feel inside. Beiges and browns have been added as furniture accents. Panoramic windows and wrap around open terraces invite the dweller to take in peaceful views of the sea.
Messi built a playground next to his garden for his two toddlers, Mateo and Thiago, to enjoy. He also has two brown Mastiff dogs who like to lounge with him on the outdoor patio furniture.
In addition to the home gym, Messi also has an indoor soccer pitch at home for getting in some additional practice whenever he wants.
Messi is not only a Captain on the field–he's a boss homeowner as well. When his next-door neighbors were being too loud for his liking, Messi bought them out and now enjoys more of a buffer to his property.
Barcelona El Prat–the 7th busiest airport in Europe–is also 10 minutes from the home. According to reports, the airport has been wanting to expand and build a runway closer to Messi's neighborhood, but the plans have not been approved because fly-overs are not allowed on Messi's property.
These instances might paint a picture of Messi as a person who always gets what he wants. However, those who know him best affirm he is at heart a humble guy who loves his family and tries to help out others in need.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi Find Balance
It takes enormous talent and constant determination for Messi and Ronaldo to remain on top of the world's top footballer's rankings. As a glimpse into their home lives will show, these professionals have managed to find time to nurture relationships and grow healthy families as well.
Photos courtesy of Instagram: @leomessi and @cristiano
