Topics: Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Barcelona, Real Madrid, El Clasico 2014, La Liga
With one of football's most watched encounters fast approaching, we take a look at stats from the world's two best players: Leo and Cristiano

This season's first edition of everyone's favorite El Clasico encounter is upon us. Fans of “the beautiful game” eagerly anticipate the clash that will see La Liga's two most successful team lock horns.

Sparks and tempers are always expected to flare as great talents from our beloved sport take to the pitch, with the two hottest players in the globe taking center stage: Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Real Madrid Cristiano Ronaldo.

On going debate as to which of the two Liga BBVA stars is the best looks nowhere close to being resolved, but with the clash at Santiago Bernabeu drawing ever closer, we will look at stats from Messi and Ronald and let you be the judge. 

When comparing the two's numbers in El Clasico, Messi predictably exceeds the Portuguese ace, considering the fact that the Argentine has five more seasons in the Spanish Primera Division under his belt when compared to the former Manchester United ace.

Lionel Messi's Barca career in numbers

A La Masia graduate, Messi holds the record for highest goalscorer in El Clasico history with 21 strikes, compared to Ronaldo's 13, whilst the Albiceleste captain boasts the most number of assists as well (12), compared to Cristiano's one.

The four-time Ballon d'Or winner has come face to face with the 2013 recipient 21 times, and Leo's Barcelona have come out on top twice as many times as the Portugal captain's Real Madrid, winning 10, drawing six, and losing five.   

Messi can become La Liga all-time leading goalscorer if he nets a brace past Iker Casillas

Now, a look from Cristiano Ronald's perspective. The 29-year-old attacker, who scored his 70th Champions League goal in the 3-0 win over Liverpool, only one shy of Raul's all-time record of 71, has scored a whopping 15 goals in eight La Liga outings, more than Messi and Neymar combined.

CR7's Real Madrid career in numbers

And whilst Messi aims at surpassing Telmo Zarra's La Liga record of 251 goals in the Spanish top-flight, only needing two more strikes to enter the history books, Ronaldo is also after his very own feat in La Liga, seeking a record 23rd hat-trick, overtaking Alfredo Di Stefano and Telmo Zarra's tally of 22. 

Totally random, but CR7 registers a goal every 3 shot. Now compare that to Balotelli

The Portuguese ace only needs one more hat-trick to become the player with the most number of hat-tricks in La Liga history