Two of footballs greatest superstars have been on each other's back lately. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, both evoking superstar status in world football has been on constant scuffle on who will emerge on top of the hat-trick race lately.

Messi increased his total hat-trick tally to 3 after Barcelona thrased Espanyol in a 5-1 victorylast Sunday at Camp Nou. This is Messi's third hat-trick in the last four games raising his total goal to 21 and averaging 1.05 goals per game.

Cristiano Ronaldo on the other hand is breaking his own records after taking his La Liga hat-trick best to 23. This accomplishment helped Real Madrid to stay on top of every other club after 3-0 win over Celta Vigo. Ronaldo's statistics currently stands at a total of 30 goals averaging 1.36 goals per game. He has 4 hat-tricks to his name.

However, seeing this rivalry on their clubs perspective will give a different viewpoint. Ronaldo's club, Real Madrid, is presently the leagues leader with 36 points in 14 games. Messi's club, FC Barcelona, is tailing close behind its city rival. FC Barcelona currently stands in the number two spot with 34 points in 14 games.

Aside from the hat-trick race, fans of both players and even sports analysts have been on constant struggle in order to prove who has superior footballing skills between the two. Those favoring Messi would point out his speed, agility and incredible dribbling skills to be his winning criteria. Only to be rebutted by Ronaldo's shot power, shot accuracy and the ability cross the ball in the most unexpected but spectacular fashion. It is certain that these two exceptional players are already on their road to be footballs greatest, the only question is who will get there first.