Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been dominating La Liga year in and year out since 2009.

Either Messi or Ronaldo have led the league in goals scored every season since Ronaldo's transfer from Manchester United. In the last six La Liga seasons, Messi has led the league in scoring three times while Ronaldo has finished on top three times as well. Last season Ronaldo scored a league-high 48 goals, coming up just two shy of Messi's 50-goal single season record. In case you were wondering, the last player to lead the league in scoring not named Messi or Ronaldo was Diego Forlán of Atletico Madrid in 2008-09 with 32 goals.

Last season not a single player finished within 20 goals of Messi or Ronaldo in the scoring race. Antoine Griezmann and Neymar tied for third with 22 goals.

In other words, Messi and Ronaldo have absolutely owned the La Liga scoring title in recent history.

The player who leads the league in goals is awarded the Pichichi Trophy. Telmo Zarra has won the most Pichichi Trophy's of all-time having led the league in scoring six times, all with Athletic Bilbao.

Another La Liga season is set to kick off later this week. Barcelona will be defending their championship, but it was indeed Ronaldo who won the scoring title last season. A case could be made for Ronaldo to win his third consecutive scoring title because he shoots the ball far more often. Look at last year for example. Ronaldo may have only scored two more goals than Messi, but he took 225 shots, 38 more than Messi's 187.

That's not to say that Messi can't control the ball and shoot from long range, but the reality is Ronaldo is the best scorer from outside the box. On top of that, Messi is by far the best passer in the world, so his scoring numbers are somewhat hindered by the fact that he gets so many assists. Messi led the league in assist last season with 18. Ronaldo also scores more goals by way of penalty kicks.

Messi is the all-time goal scorer in La Liga history with 286. Messi is also two years younger than Ronaldo.

Both Messi and Ronaldo have help by their sides. Neymar and Luis Suarez help create the ultimate South American soccer trio for Barcelona. Suarez has been improving his passing immensely having ranked third in assists last season. Neymar will definitely take some goals away from Messi, but if Suarez continues his pinpoint passing, Messi should hit the 40-goal mark once again.

Ronaldo also has his fair share of quality teammates. Last season Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez and Karim Benzema combined for 41 goals on Real Madrid. If Rodriguez can stay healthy, with a consistent Bale and Benzema, Ronaldo could see a slight dip in his goal production. Ronaldo has led La Liga in goals scored the last two seasons, but momentum is easily on Messi's side. Messi has been on absolute fire this year in international tournaments in Spain and South American. His latest goal at the Spanish Super Cup was the 11th of his career, the most of any player ever.

If Messi can continue this momentum into La Liga, he could very well win his fourth scoring title.

Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter @DamonSalvadore1