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Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated global football for the past two decades, engaging in historic battles over the years. Messi has won every possible trophy after completing football with a FIFA World Cup triumph at the 2022 tournament in Qatar. Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo: The biggest clash among football fans since the "Diego Maradona vs Pele" debate. Who's the G.O.A.T.? Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo? It is tough to answer that question, but from time to time, these two best football players produce awe-inspiring moments on the football field that leave fans speechless. In this blog, we take a look at Lionel Messi stats vs Cristiano Ronaldo stats battle.
Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi Stats: Who is the GOAT in football?
1. Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi: Most trophies won
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's career achievements are impressive, as they have won numerous trophies due to their exceptional skills and the teams they have played for. Their individual accomplishments are equally remarkable, as they have consistently competed for the title of the best player in the world each season. The trophies won reflect the dominance of the teams they have been a part of. Barcelona's dominance in Spain greatly contributed to Lionel Messi's football career. At the same time, Real Madrid's success in the UEFA Champions League during Ronaldo's time with the club added to his impressive list of achievements. Despite finishing their European careers, both players continue to dominate and add to their medal collections. Messi led Inter Miami to the 2023 Leagues Cup title, while Ronaldo played a crucial role in helping Al Nassr secure the Arab Club Champions Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo | Tournaments | Lionel Messi |
---|---|---|
0 | World Cup | 1 |
1 | European Championship / Copa America | 1 |
1 | Nations League / Finalissima | 1 |
0 | Olympics | 1 |
7 | League titles | 12 |
5 | Champions League | 4 |
4 | Club World Cup | 3 |
4 | National Cups | 7 |
22 | Total | 30 |
2. Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo head-to-head stats
We have seen plenty of historic contests in El Clasico between the two superstars. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have faced each other 36 times in competitive matches for club and country. Throughout Cristiano Ronaldo's football career, Andres Iniesta is the only player he has played against as much as Messi. However, Messi has frequently battled against Sergio Ramos, Diego Godin, and Karim Benzema. In 2008, Manchester United and Barcelona faced off in the Champions League semi-finals. The first match at Camp Nou ended in a 0-0 draw, with Ronaldo missing a penalty. However, Manchester United won the tie with a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford, thanks to a great goal from Paul Scholes. These two best football players have never faced each other in a competitive match for their national teams. They have only played against each other in friendly matches.
Tournament | Matches | Messi wins | Ronaldo wins | Draws | Messi goals scored | Ronaldo goals scored |
La Liga | 18 | 10 | 4 | 4 | 12 | 9 |
Champions League | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
Copa del Rey | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 5 |
Spanish Super Cup | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 4 |
International Friendlies | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Exhibition games | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
Total | 37 | 17 | 11 | 9 | 23 | 23 |
3. Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi: Most career goals
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are widely considered the two best football players to have ever graced the sport. Throughout their two-decade-long careers, both men have been exceptional goal scorers, employing various techniques to score numerous goals. This skill is considered one of the most challenging in football, but Messi and Ronaldo have made it look effortless over the years, often easily scoring goals to make their side the best football team in the world. Whether it's a set-piece goal, a powerful header, or a precisely placed shot with their weaker foot, both players have the ability to impact games from almost any scenario.
Talking about Football news, Cristiano Ronaldo is the all-time top goalscorer. However, Argentina national football team captain Lionel Messi comes exceptionally close to the Portugal star's tally despite being over two years younger. Nonetheless, football fans should celebrate Ronaldo as he will undoubtedly end up with over 900 goals for club and country when the 39-year-old eventually decides to retire. Even though Lionel Messi football club is always in the limelight as he has scored fewer career goals overall, he is the more consistent goalscorer.
Stats |
Cristiano Ronaldo |
Lionel Messi |
Goals Scored |
877 |
822 |
Goals per game |
0.73 |
0.78 |
Minutes per goal |
112 |
105 |
Hat-tricks |
63 |
57 |
Penalties |
162 |
108 |
Free-kick goals |
61 |
65 |
Outside the box |
76 |
92 |
Inside the box |
587 |
557 |
Strong foot |
561 |
688 |
Weak foot |
167 |
105 |
Headers |
147 |
26 |
Other |
2 |
3 |