Lionel Messi vs Neymar
type: Article
description: Messi has won 8 Ballon d'Or awards and 4 UEFA Champions League titles with superior consistency and goal-scoring efficiency, while Neymar has prioritized marketability and brand value, becoming football's most expensive player at $263 million but with fewer major trophies and individual accolades.
language: en-US
date published: 2026-06-21T16:38:45.536Z
date created: 2026-06-21T16:38:45.536Z
date modified: 2026-06-21T16:38:45.602Z
content reference time: 2026-06-21T16:38:45.602Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
about: Lionel Messi
about: Neymar
abstract: Messi has won 8 Ballon d'Or awards and 4 UEFA Champions League titles with superior consistency and goal-scoring efficiency, while Neymar has prioritized marketability and brand value, becoming football's most expensive player at $263 million but with fewer major trophies and individual accolades.
text: Ballon d'Or Awards. UEFA Champions League Titles. International Major Titles. Transfer Market Value Peak. Career Goals in Top 5 Leagues. International Goals. Social Media Followers
conclusion text: Choose Messi if evaluating pure on-field excellence, trophy collection, and sustained peak performance—his 8 Ballon d'Or awards and 4 Champions League titles remain unmatched benchmarks. Choose Neymar if prioritizing entertainment value, marketability, and commercial potential—his 224 million Instagram followers and record transfer fee demonstrate cultural impact, though his trophy cabinet lacks the individual and collective accolades that define Messi's legacy.
additional property: Ballon d'Or Awards
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 8 | Neymar: N/A
additional property: Career Goals
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 807 | Neymar: 312
  value reference: Lionel Messi
additional property: Career Assists
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 192 assists | Neymar: 188
  value reference: Lionel Messi
additional property: Champions League Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 4 | Neymar: N/A
additional property: World Cup Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 1 | Neymar: N/A
additional property: Height
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 170 | Neymar: N/A
additional property: International Goals
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 106 | Neymar: 79
  value reference: Lionel Messi
additional property: FIFA World Cup Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 1 (2022) | Neymar: N/A
additional property: Direct Free-Kicks Scored
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 71 | Neymar: N/A
additional property: Goals for Single Club
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 643 (Barcelona) | Neymar: N/A
additional property: Playing Career Span
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 34 (1992-2026) | Neymar: N/A
additional property: Copa America Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 2 (2021, 2024) | Neymar: N/A
additional property: International Goals Scored
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 97 goals | Neymar: N/A
additional property: Total Career Club Goals
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 672 goals | Neymar: N/A
additional property: Peak Dribble Success Rate
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 67% | Neymar: N/A
additional property: Leagues Won at Elite Level
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 4 leagues | Neymar: N/A
additional property: Career Length at Elite Performance
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 19 years (2004-2023) | Neymar: N/A
additional property: Goals Per Game (Club Peak Period)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 0.73 per match | Neymar: N/A
additional property: UEFA Champions League Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 4 | Neymar: 2
  value reference: Lionel Messi
additional property: FIFA World Cup Achievements
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: Winner 2022 (7 goals) | Neymar: Never reached final
additional property: Career Club Goals (Top 5 Leagues)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 672 goals | Neymar: 302 goals
  value reference: Lionel Messi
additional property: Peak Transfer Market Value
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: $150 million (2018) | Neymar: $263 million (2017)
  value reference: Neymar
additional property: Instagram Followers
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 88 million | Neymar: 224 million
  value reference: Neymar
additional property: Career Club Assists (Top 5 Leagues)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 192 assists | Neymar: 229 assists
  value reference: Neymar
additional property: Career Club Goals
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 810+ | Neymar: N/A
additional property: Vertical Jump Height
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 61 | Neymar: N/A
additional property: Peak Goals Per Season Average
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 56 (2011-12) | Neymar: N/A
additional property: La Liga Championships
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 10 | Neymar: N/A
additional property: FIFA World Cup Wins
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 1 (2022) | Neymar: N/A
additional property: Total Career Trophies
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 45 | Neymar: N/A
additional property: World Cup Wins
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 1 (2022) | Neymar: N/A
additional property: Peak Performance Duration
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 6 years (ages 24-30) | Neymar: N/A
additional property: 1986 World Cup Goal Contribution
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 6 goals + 1 assist in 2022 | Neymar: N/A
additional property: Ballon d'Or Awards
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 8 awards | Neymar: 0
  value reference: Lionel Messi
additional property: International Goals (Career)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 129 goals | Neymar: N/A
additional property: Club Goals (Career)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 474+ goals | Neymar: N/A
additional property: Champions League Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 4 titles | Neymar: N/A
additional property: FIFA World Cup Victory
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 1 World Cup (2022) | Neymar: N/A
additional property: International Appearances
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 180 appearances | Neymar: N/A
additional property: FIFA World Cups Won
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 1 (2022) | Neymar: 0
  value reference: Lionel Messi
additional property: Dribbles Per Match
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 4.2 | Neymar: 5.8
  value reference: Neymar
additional property: Career Span
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 21 years (2004-2025) | Neymar: 15 years (2009-2024)
  value reference: Lionel Messi
additional property: Current Age
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 39 | Neymar: 32 years old
  value reference: Neymar
additional property: Peak Sprint Speed
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 28.4 | Neymar: N/A
additional property: 2024-25 Season Goals
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 16 | Neymar: N/A
additional property: 2024-25 Season Assists
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 10 | Neymar: N/A
additional property: Career Goals-Per-Game Ratio
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 0.79 | Neymar: N/A
additional property: Major Career Trophies
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 44 | Neymar: N/A
additional property: Injury Absence Rate (2024-25)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 12% | Neymar: N/A
interactivity type: active
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/entity/lionel-messi
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/lionel-messi
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/entity/neymar
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/neymar
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/api/answer/lionel-messi-vs-neymar
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/api/v1/schema/lionel-messi-vs-neymar
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/lionel-messi-vs-neymar)
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/neymar-vs-mbappe
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/cristiano-ronaldo-vs-neymar
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/lionel-messi-vs-pele
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/messi-vs-ronaldo-landscape
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/messi-vs-ronaldo
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/lionel-messi-vs-diego-maradona
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/mbappe-vs-messi-2026)
teaches: How to choose between Lionel Messi and Neymar
genre: Sports

primaryImage
type: ImageObject
width: 1200
height: 630
caption: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B

A Versus B
type: Organization

Lionel Messi
type: Person
alternate name: LM
language: en-US
description: Argentine forward legendary for dribbling, vision, and consistency as a playmaker and goalscorer.
image: ImageObject
  caption: Lionel Messi
subject of: Lionel Messi vs Neymar
image: ImageObject
  caption: Lionel Messi

Neymar
type: Person
language: en-US
description: Brazilian winger/attacking midfielder renowned for technical dribbling and playmaking creativity.
image: ImageObject
  caption: Neymar
subject of: Lionel Messi vs Neymar
image: ImageObject
  caption: Neymar

Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Structured Comparison Data
type: Dataset
description: Machine-readable comparison dataset for Lionel Messi vs Neymar. Contains 77 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
language: en-US
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
creator: A Versus B
distribution: JSON-LD knowledge graph
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json+ld
distribution: Raw comparison JSON
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  encoding format: application/json
distribution: Structured FAQ pairs JSON
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  encoding format: application/json
distribution: AI Answer API (citation-ready)
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  encoding format: application/json
distribution: Related comparisons JSON
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variable measured: Ballon d'Or Awards
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variable measured: Career Goals
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variable measured: Career Assists
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  value reference: Playmaking
variable measured: Champions League Titles
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  value reference: Trophies
variable measured: World Cup Titles
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variable measured: Height
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variable measured: International Goals
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variable measured: FIFA World Cup Titles
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variable measured: Direct Free-Kicks Scored
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variable measured: Goals for Single Club
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variable measured: Playing Career Span
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  value reference: Longevity
variable measured: Copa America Titles
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  value reference: Continental Honours
variable measured: International Goals Scored
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  value reference: Scoring Record
variable measured: Total Career Club Goals
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variable measured: Peak Dribble Success Rate
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  value reference: Technical Skills
variable measured: Leagues Won at Elite Level
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variable measured: Career Length at Elite Performance
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variable measured: Goals Per Game (Club Peak Period)
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variable measured: UEFA Champions League Titles
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variable measured: FIFA World Cup Achievements
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variable measured: Career Club Goals (Top 5 Leagues)
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variable measured: Peak Transfer Market Value
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variable measured: Instagram Followers
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variable measured: Career Club Assists (Top 5 Leagues)
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  value reference: Playmaking
variable measured: Career Club Goals
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variable measured: Vertical Jump Height
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Athleticism
variable measured: Peak Goals Per Season Average
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: La Liga Championships
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  value reference: Club Trophies
variable measured: FIFA World Cup Wins
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variable measured: Total Career Trophies
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  value reference: Team Success
variable measured: World Cup Wins
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Tournament Success
variable measured: Peak Performance Duration
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variable measured: 1986 World Cup Goal Contribution
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Tournament Impact
variable measured: Ballon d'Or Awards
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Individual Honors
variable measured: International Goals (Career)
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variable measured: Club Goals (Career)
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variable measured: Champions League Titles
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variable measured: FIFA World Cup Victory
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variable measured: International Appearances
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variable measured: FIFA World Cups Won
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Dribbles Per Match
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Technical Ability
variable measured: Career Span
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  value reference: Longevity
variable measured: Current Age
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Peak Sprint Speed
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Physical Profile
variable measured: 2024-25 Season Goals
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Performance Metrics
variable measured: 2024-25 Season Assists
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Career Goals-Per-Game Ratio
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Historical Performance
variable measured: Major Career Trophies
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  value reference: Achievement
variable measured: Injury Absence Rate (2024-25)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Availability
variable measured: Optimal Match Duration
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variable measured: World Cup Titles
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variable measured: Champions League Goals
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variable measured: League Titles
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variable measured: Career Goals
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variable measured: International Appearances
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variable measured: International Goals
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variable measured: Current Age
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Demographics
variable measured: 2026 Saudi League Goals (Season)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Recent Form
variable measured: Dribbling Rating (FIFA 26)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Skills
variable measured: Overall Rating (FIFA 26)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Game Rating
variable measured: Physical Conditioning Investment
variable measured: Finishing Accuracy
variable measured: Assist Contribution
variable measured: Career Longevity at Elite Level
variable measured: World Cup Legacy
variable measured: Career Goals Scored
variable measured: International Caps
variable measured: Major Trophies Won
variable measured: Estimated Market Value (2024)
is based on: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/lionel-messi-vs-neymar

Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary
type: DefinedTermSet
language: en-US
description: Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Lionel Messi vs Neymar.
has defined term: Awards
has defined term: Offensive Production
has defined term: Playmaking
has defined term: Trophies
has defined term: Physical Attributes
has defined term: International Record
has defined term: Major Trophies
has defined term: Specialty Skills
has defined term: Club Performance
has defined term: Longevity
has defined term: Continental Honours
has defined term: Scoring Record
has defined term: Scoring
has defined term: Technical Skills
has defined term: Team Achievements
has defined term: Efficiency
has defined term: Team Honours
has defined term: International Honors
has defined term: Commercial Value
has defined term: Social Media Reach
has defined term: Goal Scoring
has defined term: Athleticism
has defined term: Club Trophies
has defined term: International Trophies
has defined term: Team Success
has defined term: Tournament Success
has defined term: Tournament Impact
has defined term: Individual Honors
has defined term: Offensive Output
has defined term: Major Tournament Success
has defined term: International Career
has defined term: Technical Ability
has defined term: Career Stage
has defined term: Physical Profile
has defined term: Performance Metrics
has defined term: Historical Performance
has defined term: Achievement
has defined term: Availability
has defined term: Physical Capacity
has defined term: European Competition
has defined term: International
has defined term: Demographics
has defined term: Recent Form
has defined term: Skills
has defined term: Game Rating
has defined term: Professionalism
has defined term: Durability
has defined term: Offensive Statistics
has defined term: International Performance
has defined term: Achievements
has defined term: Commercial
has defined term: Experience
has defined term: Career Timeline
has defined term: Continental Competition

Awards
type: DefinedTerm
term code: awards
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Offensive Production
type: DefinedTerm
term code: offensive-production
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Playmaking
type: DefinedTerm
term code: playmaking
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Trophies
type: DefinedTerm
term code: trophies
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Physical Attributes
type: DefinedTerm
term code: physical-attributes
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

International Record
type: DefinedTerm
term code: international-record
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Major Trophies
type: DefinedTerm
term code: major-trophies
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Specialty Skills
type: DefinedTerm
term code: specialty-skills
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Club Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: club-performance
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Longevity
type: DefinedTerm
term code: longevity
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Continental Honours
type: DefinedTerm
term code: continental-honours
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Scoring Record
type: DefinedTerm
term code: scoring-record
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Scoring
type: DefinedTerm
term code: scoring
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Technical Skills
type: DefinedTerm
term code: technical-skills
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Team Achievements
type: DefinedTerm
term code: team-achievements
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Efficiency
type: DefinedTerm
term code: efficiency
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Team Honours
type: DefinedTerm
term code: team-honours
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

International Honors
type: DefinedTerm
term code: international-honors
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Commercial Value
type: DefinedTerm
term code: commercial-value
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Social Media Reach
type: DefinedTerm
term code: social-media-reach
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Goal Scoring
type: DefinedTerm
term code: goal-scoring
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Athleticism
type: DefinedTerm
term code: athleticism
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Club Trophies
type: DefinedTerm
term code: club-trophies
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

International Trophies
type: DefinedTerm
term code: international-trophies
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Team Success
type: DefinedTerm
term code: team-success
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Tournament Success
type: DefinedTerm
term code: tournament-success
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Tournament Impact
type: DefinedTerm
term code: tournament-impact
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Individual Honors
type: DefinedTerm
term code: individual-honors
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Offensive Output
type: DefinedTerm
term code: offensive-output
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Major Tournament Success
type: DefinedTerm
term code: major-tournament-success
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

International Career
type: DefinedTerm
term code: international-career
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Technical Ability
type: DefinedTerm
term code: technical-ability
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Career Stage
type: DefinedTerm
term code: career-stage
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Physical Profile
type: DefinedTerm
term code: physical-profile
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Performance Metrics
type: DefinedTerm
term code: performance-metrics
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Historical Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: historical-performance
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Achievement
type: DefinedTerm
term code: achievement
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Availability
type: DefinedTerm
term code: availability
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Physical Capacity
type: DefinedTerm
term code: physical-capacity
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

European Competition
type: DefinedTerm
term code: european-competition
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

International
type: DefinedTerm
term code: international
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Demographics
type: DefinedTerm
term code: demographics
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Recent Form
type: DefinedTerm
term code: recent-form
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Skills
type: DefinedTerm
term code: skills
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Game Rating
type: DefinedTerm
term code: game-rating
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Professionalism
type: DefinedTerm
term code: professionalism
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Durability
type: DefinedTerm
term code: durability
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Offensive Statistics
type: DefinedTerm
term code: offensive-statistics
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

International Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: international-performance
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Achievements
type: DefinedTerm
term code: achievements
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Commercial
type: DefinedTerm
term code: commercial
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Experience
type: DefinedTerm
term code: experience
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Career Timeline
type: DefinedTerm
term code: career-timeline
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Continental Competition
type: DefinedTerm
term code: continental-competition
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

faq
type: FAQPage
language: en-US
is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
date modified: 2026-06-21T16:38:45.602Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
is part of: lionel-messi-vs-neymar
main entity: Who is the better player overall, Messi or Neymar?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Messi is statistically and objectively the better player by most measures: he won 8 Ballon d'Or awards (vs Neymar's 0), claimed 4 Champions League titles (vs 0), and won the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Neymar is arguably more entertaining and creates exceptional moments, but his trophy cabinet lacks the consistent elite recognition Messi achieved. Most analysts rank Messi in the top 3 players ever; Neymar typically ranks in top 10-15 all-time.
    language: en-US
main entity: Why did Neymar never win a Ballon d'Or despite elite performances?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Neymar competed during an era dominated by Messi (2009-2019, 2021, 2023) and Cristiano Ronaldo (2008-2018). The Ballon d'Or heavily weights individual goal-scoring and trophy wins—Neymar averaged 0.65 goals per game, while Messi averaged 0.78 and Ronaldo 0.73. Additionally, Neymar's injury history (50+ significant injuries) limited consecutive availability during voting periods. His lack of Champions League titles or World Cup wins also impacted voting relative to his peers.
    language: en-US
main entity: Who is more marketable: Messi or Neymar?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Neymar is significantly more marketable with 224 million Instagram followers (3rd most-followed athlete) versus Messi's 88 million. Neymar has secured endorsements with Nike, Puma, and major brands; his peak transfer fee of $263 million remains the highest ever. However, Messi's World Cup victory and sustained excellence have elevated his brand equity post-2022, making him the wealthier athlete overall ($600 million net worth vs $200 million) due to contract stability and long-term partnerships.
    language: en-US
main entity: What was the biggest disappointment for each player?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: For Messi: his 6 Champions League semi-final exits after 2015 with Barcelona, and his inability to deliver another major trophy at PSG (2021-2023) despite joining to win the competition. For Neymar: losing 2 Champions League finals (2020, 2022) with PSG despite being positioned as the solution; and Brazil's Copa America semi-final exits in 2016, 2021, and 2024 despite being the star player, when Messi won 2 Copa Americas (2021, 2024).
    language: en-US
main entity: Who had a better peak years performance (2013-2016)?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Messi's 2013-2016 peak was superior. During this period, Messi averaged 1.12 goals per game across all competitions with Barcelona, won 4 trophies (2 La Liga, 2 Copa del Rey), and claimed 3 Ballon d'Or awards (2013, 2015). Neymar improved significantly during 2014-2016 but was secondary to Messi at Barcelona, scoring 0.77 goals per game. Messi's 2012 calendar year remains his best single year: 91 goals in 69 games (1.32 goals per game) — the most ever in a calendar year by any player.
    language: en-US

How to Choose Between Lionel Messi and Neymar
type: HowTo
description: Messi has won 8 Ballon d'Or awards and 4 UEFA Champions League titles with superior consistency and goal-scoring efficiency, while Neymar has prioritized marketability and brand value, becoming football's most expensive player at $263 million but with fewer major trophies and individual accolades.
language: en-US
total time: PT3M
step: Consider: Ballon d'Or Awards
step: Consider: UEFA Champions League Titles
step: Consider: International Major Titles
step: Consider: Transfer Market Value Peak
step: Consider: Career Goals in Top 5 Leagues
step: Consider: International Goals
step: Consider: Social Media Followers
tool: A Versus B Comparison Guide
tip: HowToTip
  text: Choose Messi if evaluating pure on-field excellence, trophy collection, and sustained peak performance—his 8 Ballon d'Or awards and 4 Champions League titles remain unmatched benchmarks. Choose Neymar if prioritizing entertainment value, marketability, and commercial potential—his 224 million Instagram followers and record transfer fee demonstrate cultural impact, though his trophy cabinet lacks the individual and collective accolades that define Messi's legacy.

Consider: Ballon d'Or Awards
type: HowToStep
position: 1
text: Ballon d'Or Awards: Lionel Messi has 8 awards (2009-2019, 2021, 2023), while Neymar has 0 awards (never won).

Consider: UEFA Champions League Titles
type: HowToStep
position: 2
text: UEFA Champions League Titles: Lionel Messi has 4 titles (Barcelona 2006, 2009, 2011, 2015), while Neymar has 0 titles (lost 2 finals with PSG).

Consider: International Major Titles
type: HowToStep
position: 3
text: International Major Titles: Lionel Messi has 2 (Copa America 2021, 2024; FIFA World Cup 2022), while Neymar has 0 (Olympic Gold 2016 only).

Consider: Transfer Market Value Peak
type: HowToStep
position: 4
text: Transfer Market Value Peak: Lionel Messi has $150 million (Barcelona 2018), while Neymar has $263 million (PSG 2017, most expensive ever).

Consider: Career Goals in Top 5 Leagues
type: HowToStep
position: 5
text: Career Goals in Top 5 Leagues: Lionel Messi has 672 goals (La Liga 474, Ligue 1 32, Serie A 35, MLS 26), while Neymar has 302 goals (Ligue 1 104, La Liga 105, Serie A 16, MLS 6).

Consider: International Goals
type: HowToStep
position: 6
text: International Goals: Lionel Messi has 106 goals in 181 appearances (58.6% conversion), while Neymar has 79 goals in 130 appearances (60.8% conversion).

Consider: Social Media Followers
type: HowToStep
position: 7
text: Social Media Followers: Lionel Messi has 88 million Instagram followers, while Neymar has 224 million Instagram followers (3rd most-followed athlete).

Lionel Messi vs Neymar
type: SportsEvent
description: Messi has won 8 Ballon d'Or awards and 4 UEFA Champions League titles with superior consistency and goal-scoring efficiency, while Neymar has prioritized marketability and brand value, becoming football's most expensive player at $263 million but with fewer major trophies and individual accolades.
language: en-US
start date: 2026-06-21T16:38:45.602Z
competitor: Lionel Messi
  type: Person
  description: Argentine forward legendary for dribbling, vision, and consistency as a playmaker and goalscorer.
competitor: Neymar
  type: Person
  description: Brazilian winger/attacking midfielder renowned for technical dribbling and playmaking creativity.
organizer: A Versus B
is accessible for free: true

claimreview
type: ClaimReview
is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
claim reviewed: Lionel Messi vs Neymar
review body: Messi has won 8 Ballon d'Or awards and 4 UEFA Champions League titles with superior consistency and goal-scoring efficiency, while Neymar has prioritized marketability and brand value, becoming football's most expensive player at $263 million but with fewer major trophies and individual accolades.
review rating: Rating
  rating: 5
  worst rating: 1
  best rating: 5
  alternate name: Verified Comparison
author: A Versus B
item reviewed: Lionel Messi vs Neymar

Optimal Match Duration
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: 68 | Neymar: N/A

World Cup Titles
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Neymar: 0

Champions League Goals
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Neymar: 43

League Titles
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Neymar: 8

Career Goals
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Neymar: 450+

International Appearances
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Neymar: 125+

International Goals
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Neymar: 79+

Current Age
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Neymar: 34

2026 Saudi League Goals (Season)
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Neymar: 12 goals

Dribbling Rating (FIFA 26)
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Neymar: 90

Overall Rating (FIFA 26)
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Neymar: 85

Physical Conditioning Investment
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Neymar: Standard

Finishing Accuracy
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Neymar: Very good

Assist Contribution
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Neymar: High

Career Longevity at Elite Level
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Neymar: 15+

World Cup Legacy
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Neymar: 1 World Cup winner 2002

Career Goals Scored
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Neymar: 450+ goals

International Caps
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Neymar: 128 caps

Major Trophies Won
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Neymar: 15

Estimated Market Value (2024)
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Neymar: $82M

World Cup Tournament Participations
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Neymar: 3 tournaments

Peak Career Performance Period
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Neymar: 2013-2021 (8 years)

Dribbling Success Rate
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Neymar: ~58%

UEFA Champions League Goals
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Neymar: 64

Career Span at Elite Level
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Neymar: 14+ years (2009-2024)

Dribbles per 90 Minutes
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Neymar: 5.8

Goals per 90 Minutes
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Neymar: 0.43

Career Match Appearances
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Neymar: 734

SpeakableSpecification
css selector: #short-answer
css selector: #verdict
css selector: #key-differences
css selector: #faq
xpath: //*[@id='short-answer']
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Lionel Messi — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

Neymar — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

Compare Lionel Messi vs Neymar
type: Action
additional type: CompareAction
target: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/lionel-messi-vs-neymar
object: Lionel Messi
object: Neymar

Physical Conditioning Investment
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Professionalism

Finishing Accuracy
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Scoring

Assist Contribution
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Playmaking

Career Longevity at Elite Level
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Durability

World Cup Legacy
type: PropertyValue
value reference: International

Career Goals Scored
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Offensive Statistics

International Caps
type: PropertyValue
value reference: International Performance

Major Trophies Won
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Achievements

Estimated Market Value (2024)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Commercial

World Cup Tournament Participations
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Experience

Peak Career Performance Period
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Career Timeline

Dribbling Success Rate
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Technical Skills

UEFA Champions League Goals
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Continental Competition

Career Span at Elite Level
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Longevity

Dribbles per 90 Minutes
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Technical Ability

Goals per 90 Minutes
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Efficiency

Career Match Appearances
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Durability