Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were back at it again this week. Messi had two matches to contest and Ronaldo had one in which to show off his best.

Messi's first game was a Copa del Rey match against Valencia, where he contributed a wonderful hat-trick that continued to show off his best qualities. While he was not the big star of the show -- Luis Suarez scored four goals -- the superstar looked like he was back in peak form and ready to conquer the Ballon d'Or yet again. His second game in Levante was not as successful, but Messi managed an assist in that tilt.

Meanwhile Ronaldo looked to be unable to prove naysayers wrong. The superstar seemed lost as Madrid defeated Granada 2-1, but his contributions were minimal to none. He made poor passes, connecting on just 75 percent. He had no shots on target and did little to show his predatory skills.

Season Stats

Ronaldo is stuck at 30 goals in 29 games with 19 tallies in La Liga. He now sits behind Suarez for the Pichichi lead and is also tied with fellow teammate Karim Benzema. Ronaldo was on track to score 31 goals, but his erratic form could point to a lower total for the superstar.

Messi meanwhile has 24 goals in all contests, but nine of those goals have come in competitions outside of La Liga and the Champions League. He is on pace to score 23 goals in La Liga this season.

Calendar Year Stats

Messi has 11 goals and five assists in 10 matches in 2016 and is primed to defend his Champions League crown. Ronaldo meanwhile has just five goals in six games and only three assists to boot.

Winner

It is pretty clear which superstar is the winner of this week's contest. Ronaldo did nothing for Madrid, while Messi had three goals and one assist across two games, contributing in big games in both matches.

Ronaldo's lead was cut to 9-7.

Up Next

Real Madrid gets to take on Athletic Bilbao at home in its next game; Ronaldo did not score in the first away game between the sides. Meanwhile Barcelona gets the second leg in Valencia and hosts Celta Vigo. Messi had a hat-trick against the former in the recent game and was held scoreless in Celta Vigo as Barcelona lost 4-1.

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