The Early Beginnings: Who Started Their Professional Football Career First, Messi or Ronaldo?

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are two of the most celebrated football stars of our time, known for their incredible skill, record-breaking achievements, and global fan following. Born only a few years apart, both started their professional football careers when they were still teenagers. However, a detailed look at their early careers reveals some interesting facts about who actually initiated their professional journey first. This article delves into the details, analyzing the start dates and the context behind their professional debuts.

Ronaldo's Professional Debut

Cristiano Ronaldo was born on February 5, 1985, in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal. He began playing football at an early age, joining the amateur youth team Andorinha at the tender age of eight. In 1995, Ronaldo signed with the local club Nacional, and shortly after, he was signed by Sporting CP. His first professional experience, however, was with the B team of Sporting CP. In 2002, Ronaldo made his debut for the B team, playing his first ever professional match.

Messi's Professional Debut

Lionel Messi, on the other hand, was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina. Both Messi and Ronaldo were identified as potential talents at around the age of 14, although their journeys to the professional stage began a bit later. Messi's professional journey started when he was 17, making his debut for FC Barcelona's first team on October 16, 2004.

While it is often mentioned that Messi began his professional career at 17, it is important to note that Ronaldo had made his professional debut one year earlier, in 2002. This means that, technically, Ronaldo started his professional football career before Messi. It is noteworthy that both players turned 17, but Ronaldo started his journey with Sporting CP B, while Messi began with Barcelona's C team.

Technically Earlier but Context Matters

If we consider their professional debuts, Ronaldo is indeed first. His first professional match was in 2002, with Sporting CP. However, if the context is more about being at the top level of the sport, Messi's career with FC Barcelona from 2004 has often been recognized for its longevity and impact on the game. This recognition is largely because of the consistent high performance and the immediate prominence he achieved with the club.

Conclusion: A Historical Debate

While arguments can be made about who started playing first due to their youth team involvement, the official professional debut is a clear point in Ronaldo's favor. Nonetheless, the broader narrative of their careers often focuses on Messi's early and continued success with Barcelona.

As fans and analysts continue to debate who started their professional career first, it is clear that both players have left an indelible mark on the world of football. Their early starts, despite being a few years apart, have influenced the trajectory of modern football in significant ways. Whether Ronaldo or Messi is considered 'first,' both have contributed significantly to the narrative of professional football.