By Kingsley 
The age-old debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi just got a new twist—this time, it’s not about goals, assists, or Ballon d’Ors. It’s about speed.
Popular YouTuber MotionAthlete ran a 3D simulation to find out who would win in a 100-metre sprint between the two footballing icons. And the results? Let’s just say CR7 fans have something to smile about.
In the simulated race, Cristiano Ronaldo clocked an impressive 11.15 seconds, leaving Lionel Messi trailing with 11.95 seconds. That’s a full 0.8-second lead—pretty significant over a short distance!
It’s no secret that Ronaldo’s athleticism has always stood out. At his peak, he was clocked running 96 metres in just 10 seconds, with FIFA recording his top speed at 21 mph. Even Usain Bolt, the world’s fastest man, once admitted:
> “Cristiano would win for sure. He’s still active and he works hard every day. For me, he’s a super athlete.”
And he’s proving it. At 40 years old, Ronaldo just scored 35 goals for Al Nassr and helped lead Portugal to another UEFA Nations League title.
Messi, now 37, may not have Ronaldo’s top speed, but his agility and low centre of gravity made him nearly unstoppable in his prime—especially while dribbling through defenders. Today, he’s still dazzling fans at Inter Miami, aiming for silverware in the Club World Cup.
So, what does this sprint tell us?
Maybe nothing definitive in the GOAT debate—but it’s a fun reminder that both players brought very different weapons to the pitch. While Messi mesmerized with magic, Ronaldo exploded with power.
Whether you’re #TeamMessi or #TeamRonaldo, this simulation gives fans a new reason to appreciate what each legend brought to the game.