I think Ronaldo's goal scoring exploits have overshadowed his diminishing performances in the last 18 months, yet he's still odds on to pick up he's second Balon d'Or in that time. Winning the major European trophies has also had a massive impact on how people perceive him.
For me he's the greatest goal scorer of all time, but doesn't touch Messi in terms of GOAT status.
Looking likely like it'll be 10 years since:
-Kaka won the Balon d'Or, the last player to beat Messi and Ronaldo.
-Someone outscored both in the champions league, which was also Kaka.
I don't imagine we'll get a pair so dominant ever again, they've made people rethink of what's considered to be a top goascorer. Just look at Bale who comfortably averages over a goal every other game for Real, and that's neither here no there in terms of impressiveness.