Table of Contents
Introduction
Messi and Ronaldo are two players of the same generation. There is an ongoing debate over them among football fans around the world. Who is the best? We always ask that question.
It is a question that divides fans, experts, and the whole age group. We all have different tastes, opinions, and idols. Our debate would be a bit more meaningful if we took a closer look at Messi and Ronaldo’s career statistics and accomplishments.
That idea may be the key to uncovering the stories behind the two best players in the world. You may then draw your conclusions.
Early Life
Lionel Messi
He was born in Rosario, Argentina, on 24 June 1987. His full name is Lionel Andres Messi. His father worked in a steel factory, and his mother was a cleaner. Despite his young age, he showed signs of talent early on.
When he was 11, he was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). It was a condition that stunted growth and required expensive medical treatment, such as the use of human growth hormone.
River Plate was willing to sign him but would not pay for his medical treatment. After this incident, he went to Spain and was trialed in Barcelona. He impressed coach Carles Rexach.
After that, he got a contract paper, including his treatment cost. He joined Barcelona youth academy.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo was born on 5 Feb 1985 in Madeira, Portugal. His full name is Cristiano Ronaldo Dos Santos Aveiro. He was the son of a gardener and a cook.
A son and two daughters preceded Ronaldo as the youngest of four children. As a result of throwing a chair at his teacher, he was expelled from school.
When he was 14 years old, he decided to focus on becoming a professional footballer. He began playing for Andorinha at age eight. Cristiano Ronaldo joined Nacional in 1995.
A football club located in his hometown of Madeira. He played there from 1995 to 1997. In 1997, he made a trial for the renowned club of Portugal Sporting CP.
After clearing the trial round, he joined Sporting CP. When he was 16 years old, former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier noticed him.
The Reds did not sign him at the time because they believed he was too young and needed more time to develop his skills. On the other hand, Sporting defeated Manchester United in the summer of 2003.
Alex Ferguson, Manchester United’s manager, noticed Ronaldo.
Messi vs. Ronaldo Club Goals Stat.
Cristiano Ronaldo has more club goals than Lionel Messi. Ronaldo has played two more seasons than Messi. Despite playing less than two seasons, Messi is not far behind Ronaldo.
Each of them is moving towards scoring 700 goals in their career. From 2010-11 to 2014-15, these two superstars took themselves to the next level in their club careers.
| MESSI | SEASON | RONALDO |
|---|---|---|
| – | 2002-03 | 5 |
| – | 2003-04 | 6 |
| 1 | 2004-05 | 9 |
| 8 | 2005-06 | 12 |
| 17 | 2006-07 | 23 |
| 16 | 2007-08 | 42 |
| 38 | 2008-09 | 26 |
| 47 | 2009-10 | 33 |
| 53 | 2010-11 | 53 |
| 73 | 2011-12 | 60 |
| 60 | 2012-13 | 55 |
| 41 | 2013-14 | 51 |
| 58 | 2014-15 | 61 |
| 41 | 2015-16 | 51 |
| 54 | 2016-17 | 42 |
| 45 | 2017-18 | 44 |
| 51 | 2018-19 | 28 |
| 31 | 2019-20 | 37 |
| 38 | 2020-21 | 36 |
| 11 | 2021-22 | 24 |
| 21 | 2022-23 | 17 |
| CONTINUE | 2023-24 | CONTINUE |
| 704 | TOTAL | 715 |
Even though Ronaldo has scored more goals than Messi, he has not been able to break the record for most goals scored in a single season.
Ronaldo scored a maximum of 61 goals in the 2014-15 season, while Messi scored 73 goals in the 2011-12 season. From 2010-11 to 2014-15, these two superstars made 50 above goals continuously.
We’ve seen their goals dwindle over the years. When Ronaldo signed for Juventus in 2018-19, he could not touch the 30 goals score level. During 2019-20, Messi’s goals also decreased a lot.
He scored only 31 goals in that season. At present, their performance is not stunning but productive for their team.
Messi vs. Ronaldo Club Assists Stat.
Messi
In the assist department, Messi takes the lead over Ronaldo. This quality of Messi helps his fans a lot in debates. After the Ronaldinho era, he gradually made combinations with Xavi and Iniesta.
In the Guardiola era, he was in his golden age. He scored 27 assists and 53 goals in 2010-11. The next season, he was in his peak form 73 goals with 32 assists with four trophies.
He has played CF, SS, and RW in these three positions so far in his career. The plus point of Messi is that he can dribble 3-4 people with ease and speed.
Having good chemistry with his teammates made it easy for him to score goals and assist in Barcelona. At present, he has joined PSG. Having Neymar as his old teammate at PSG, it has been easier for them to communicate.
As a result of his excellent chemistry with his national teammates Di Maria and French superstar Mbappe, we see a glimpse of Messi in his goals and assists, particularly in his performances during the Champions League.
| MESSI | SEASON | RONALDO |
|---|---|---|
| – | 2002-03 | 4 |
| – | 2003-04 | 6 |
| – | 2004-05 | 8 |
| 3 | 2005-06 | 8 |
| 3 | 2006-07 | 14 |
| 13 | 2007-08 | 7 |
| 17 | 2008-09 | 9 |
| 11 | 2009-10 | 8 |
| 23 | 2010-11 | 16 |
| 30 | 2011-12 | 15 |
| 15 | 2012-13 | 12 |
| 14 | 2013-14 | 14 |
| 27 | 2014-15 | 21 |
| 23 | 2015-16 | 15 |
| 16 | 2016-17 | 11 |
| 18 | 2017-18 | 8 |
| 19 | 2018-19 | 10 |
| 25 | 2019-20 | 5 |
| 12 | 2020-21 | 5 |
| 14 | 2021-22 | 3 |
| 19 | 2022-23 | 4 |
| CONTINUE | 2023-24 | CONTINUE |
| 302 | TOTAL | 203 |
Ronaldo
On the other hand, Ronaldo lags behind Messi in this category. Ronaldo usually scored goals by using his pace, technique, and physical strength. But he lags in terms of assists as much as he can score goals.
He made 22 assists for Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson in 2006-07, the second-highest of his career. The 23 assists he made for Real Madrid in 2014-15 were the most of his club career so far.
Messi vs. Ronaldo Champions League Stat.
Ronaldo does very well in the Champions League. Ronaldo is slightly ahead of Messi in the Champions League. He has won four Champions League titles for Real Madrid in the Champions League.
He also has the record of winning the Champions League for Manchester United in the 07-08 season. With 140 goals, Ronaldo leads all-time in the UEFA Champions League. Messi is ranked second with 129 goals.
While he is lagging, he can reach Ronaldo at any time. Messi has a higher goal ratio than Ronaldo. As far as assists in the Champions League go, Messi is right behind Ronaldo.
Messi vs. Ronaldo World Cup Stat.
They both have won many trophies throughout their career, but neither has ever won the World Cup. The World Cup seems to have become a cursed tournament for them.
Ronaldo
The last time Portugal performed well was in 2006 at the World Cup. They lost 1-0 to France in the semifinals.
During the match, Zidane scored from the penalty spot in the 33rd minute, which gave France the lead, they won the game, and Portugal was knocked out of the tournament. Ronaldo was a young player at the time.
He scored a goal against Iran in the group stage match at that time.
Ronaldo later became a reliable player in his country. Also, he scored the second-most goals for Portugal at the World Cup. Ronaldo scored seven goals and two assists.
He scored two of the seven goals from the penalty spot. In the 80th minute of the 2006 World Cup, Ronaldo scored the first one from the penalty spot against Iran.
He scored the second one in the 4th minute of the 2018 World Cup against Spain from the penalty spot. However, he still regrets not winning the World Cup.
Messi won the 2022 World Cup and lifted the trophy. He beat Ronaldo in a World Cup-winning race.
Messi
In the same way, Messi has never tasted winning the World Cup in his career so far. There can be no doubt about his skills and techniques, but his luck did not help him in the World Cup.
Argentina has never won a World Cup since 1986. The World Cup remains elusive for Argentina despite reaching the quarterfinals in 2006 and 2010.
With Messi leading Argentina in 2014, Argentina had the best chance of winning the World Cup. But Gotze’s goal in the final shattered all of that.
He has scored six goals and provided seven assists during the World Cup so far. Ronaldo is slightly ahead of Messi in terms of goals per match.
Since both of the players have not won the World Cup yet, all football lovers will keep an eye on both of them in the 2022 World Cup.
Messi vs. Ronaldo International Stat.
Judging by the International statistics of the two legends, Ronaldo is far ahead of Messi. Despite starting his international career just two years ago, Ronaldo has scored more goals for Portugal than Messi.
At Euro 2020, Cristiano Ronaldo met Ali Dai’s record. He then became the top international goalscorer with two goals against the Republic of Ireland.
Ronaldo has currently scored 115 goals, while Messi has scored 80 goals. Messi is behind Ronaldo in terms of goal-scoring, but he leads the way in terms of assists.
Messi has already overtaken his country’s legendary player Batistuta. We will have to wait until their retirement to find out who has more goals.
Most interestingly, do we want them to retire?
Messi vs. Ronaldo Head-to-Head Stat.
In the head-to-head fight, Messi is just ahead of Ronaldo. Although their dual battles began in 2008, Messi scored his first dual battle goal in a Champions League goal in 2009.
The next time, in 2010, he scored in La Liga and helped Barcelona to a 2-0 victory. Ronaldo scored his first dual battle goal in the 2011 International Friendly. In this match, Messi scored, and Argentina won the game 2-1.
But the fight between the two of them in La Liga was quite exciting. However, in the Copa del Rey, Ronaldo has more goals than Messi. In terms of assists, Messi is ahead of Ronaldo.
| MESSI | FACTORS | RONALDO |
|---|---|---|
| 36 | APPEARANCES | 36 |
| 22 | GOALS | 21 |
| 12 | ASSISTS | 1 |
| 16 | WINS | 11 |
| 9 | DRAWS | 9 |
Trophy Room of Messi vs. Ronaldo
A trophy is an honor that gives players the dignity to play. Currently, Messi leads in the trophy standings. However, Ronaldo is not far behind.
Ronaldo began his career in 2002 with a Portuguese Super Cup win for Sporting CP. Then in 2004, he won the FA Cup for Manchester United.
| No. of Trophies | Trophy name |
| 01 | World Cup |
| 01 | Copa America |
| 04 | Champions League |
| 03 | FIFA Club World Cup |
| 10 | LA Liga |
| 02 | French Champion |
| 03 | UEFA Super Cup |
| 08 | Spanish Super Cup |
| 07 | Spanish Cup |
| 01 | Leagues Cup Winner |
| 01 | U-20 World Cup |
| 01 | CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions |
| 01 | French Super Cup |
He won the English Super Cup twice in a row for the Red Devils in 2007 and 2008. In 2008, he also won the FIFA Club World Cup. He also won the English League Cup in 2006 and 2009.
He also won the English Championship for the Red Devils for three consecutive years in 2007, 2008, and 2009. In 2009, he joined the Spanish giant club Real Madrid.
Since then, the question of who is the best between Messi and Ronaldo has become more acute.
In 2005, Messi started his trophy-winning journey with an under-20 World Cup win. In the 2004–05 season, he won his first La Liga trophy with Barcelona.
He won La Liga, the Spanish Super Cup, and the Champions League for Barcelona in 2005-06. In the 2006-07 season, he won the Spanish Super Cup. He won three trophies in one year in the 2008–09 season.
Messi won La Liga, the Spanish Cup, and the Champions League in the 2008-09 season. In 2008-09, he earned a medal at the Olympics. He also won the 2009 FIFA Club World Cup.
In 2009, the fight between Real Madrid and Barcelona thrilled and excited their fans.
| No. of Trophies | Trophy Name |
| 01 | Euro Cup |
| 05 | Champions League |
| 05 | FIFA Club World Cup |
| 03 | Premier League |
| 02 | Italian Champion |
| 02 | LA Liga |
| 03 | UEFA Super Cup |
| 01 | UEFA Nations League |
| 01 | FA Cup |
| 02 | Spanish Cup |
| 01 | Italian Cup |
| 02 | Spanish Super Cup |
| 02 | Italian Super Cup |
| 02 | English League Cup |
| 02 | English Super Cup |
| 01 | Portuguese Super Cup |
Analysis
Ronaldo and Messi’s record of La Liga victory, Ronaldo is so far behind Messi. On the other hand, Ronaldo is ahead of Messi in terms of winning the Champions League. Messi won the 2022 World Cup last year.
He has won the Champions League three times in a row for Real Madrid. The victory of the Portuguese national team in the Euros under Ronaldo’s leadership in 2016 has boosted his leadership quality and popularity.
Those who hate Messi believe that he will only perform well for his club, not his country. But he broke that notoriety by winning the Copa America in the 2020-21 season.
As a Juventus player, Ronaldo has won numerous trophies as well. Messi has joined PSG and won 2 times French Champion. Ronaldo now played for Saudi club Al-Nassr. Now, Messi plays for Inter Miami and won the MLS Leagues Cup.
We need to keep an eye on the future to see how many trophies they can win at the moment.
Messi vs. Ronaldo Individual Awards
The battle between Messi and Ronaldo in modern football has given joy and excitement to football fans. In terms of individual awards, Messi is ahead of Ronaldo.
Messi has won the Ballon d’Or eight times, while Ronaldo has won five times. Messi has long surpassed Ronaldo in accolades, including winning the European Golden Shoe and the Golden Ball at the World Cup.
However, Ronaldo has won the UEFA Best Player in Europe of the Year award more than Messi. He has also won awards like Puskas. Ronaldo has won the Champions League Top Scorer award more than Messi.
Football fans enjoy the “fighting” that goes on between the individual awards.
| MESSI | AWARDS | RONALDO |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | Ballon d’Or | 5 |
| 3 | The Best FIFA Men’s Player | 3 |
| 6 | European Golden Shoe | 4 |
| 2 | World Cup Golden Ball | – |
| 3 | UEFA Best Player in Europe | 4 |
| 10 | Player of the Year | 8 |
| 2 | UEFA Best Forward in Europe | 3 |
| 1 | Silver Boot Winner | – |
| 16 | FIFPro World XI Appearances | 15 |
| 22 | Top Scorer | 19 |
| 4 | TM Player of the Season | 2 |
| 6 | Champions League Top Scorer | 7 |
| – | Puskas Award | 1 |
Transfermarkt value of Lionel Messi
Prior to this, Lionel Messi was the world’s most valuable footballer and he particularly had lost value according to Transfermarkt. His current rating is €30 million, while at the height of his youth playing on Barcelona team he was valued at €180 million.
This decline is closely said to be due to age as Messi is way past his prime, he is in his late 30s. Even though moving to Inter Miami has at least to some extent rejuvenated his career, the player’s age combined with the factors pertaining to the global landscape of the transfer market diminished his worth.
Transfermarkt Value of Cristiano Ronaldo
Market value has shown a lot of volatility for Cristiano Ronaldo throughout the course of his stellar career. This figure, according to the Transfermarkt data, made a high of €120 million when he was at Real Madrid for the second time.
However he has lost much of his market value mainly because of his age. Still, Ronaldo a goal-machine and changed club, Al-Nassr his age has impacted on his marketability. This graph depicts how he has been through the cycle of going up and down showing the highs and the lows of his market value.
Conclusion
This article analyzes various points of the debate between Messi and Ronaldo. It has some data for proof of authentication.
It is an informational article, so you can find out if you have any unknown information from this article. If you like the article, subscribe to Sports Dribble and its Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts.
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Data Source: All the trophy and transfer-related data were collected from the Transfermarket website.
Other informational data was collected from Wikipedia and Sportskeeda website.
My name is Krishanu Das the founder of the Sports Dribble.
I am Accountant by profession but a Sports Blogger by passion.
I am passionate about sharing my all knowledge and experiences of sports, with my readers and every sports enthusiast.
