Lionel Messi vs Neymar
type: Article
description: Messi is a more decorated and prolific goalscorer with 8 Ballon d'Or awards and 807 career goals, while Neymar is a more dynamic dribbler and playmaker known for his flair and assist creation. Messi's superior trophy haul and goal-scoring consistency make him statistically the more accomplished player.
language: en-US
date published: 2026-07-06T17:09:00.995Z
date created: 2026-07-06T17:09:00.995Z
date modified: 2026-07-06T17:09:01.042Z
content reference time: 2026-07-06T17:09:01.042Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
about: Lionel Messi
about: Neymar
abstract: Messi is a more decorated and prolific goalscorer with 8 Ballon d'Or awards and 807 career goals, while Neymar is a more dynamic dribbler and playmaker known for his flair and assist creation. Messi's superior trophy haul and goal-scoring consistency make him statistically the more accomplished player.
text: Ballon d'Or Awards. Career Goals. Career Assists. FIFA World Cups Won. UEFA Champions Leagues Won. Dribbles Per Match (Career Avg). International Goals
conclusion text: Messi emerges as the more complete and decorated player with 8 Ballon d'Or awards, 807 career goals, a World Cup title, and 4 Champions League trophies—establishing him as arguably the greatest footballer of all time. However, Neymar's superior dribbling ability, flair, and playmaking creativity make him an exceptional talent; choose Neymar if prioritizing entertainment value and dynamic ball progression. Choose Messi if evaluating pure statistical dominance, trophy achievement, and sustained excellence across two decades.
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: 432
  value reference: Lionel Messi
additional property: Career Assists
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 321 | Neymar: 288
  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: International Appearances
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 180 matches | 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: Ballon d'Or Awards
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 8 | Neymar: 0
  value reference: Lionel Messi
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: 18+ seasons (2006-2024) | Neymar: N/A
additional property: Champions League Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 3 | 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: 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
additional property: Optimal Match Duration
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 68 | Neymar: N/A
additional property: World Cup Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Neymar: 0
additional property: Champions League Goals
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Neymar: 43
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/mbappe-vs-messi-2026)
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/ronaldo-vs-neymar
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
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 legend, former Barcelona icon now at Inter Miami in MLS at age 39
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/forward known for exceptional dribbling, creativity, and flair with 432 career goals and 288 assists.
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 68 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
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: Structured FAQ pairs JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: AI Answer API (citation-ready)
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: Related comparisons JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
variable measured: Ballon d'Or Awards
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Awards
variable measured: Career Goals
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Goal-Scoring
variable measured: Career Assists
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Creativity
variable measured: Champions League Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Trophies
variable measured: World Cup Titles
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variable measured: Height
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Physical Attributes
variable measured: International Goals
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: International Performance
variable measured: FIFA World Cup Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Tournament Achievement
variable measured: Direct Free-Kicks Scored
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Specialty Skills
variable measured: International Appearances
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: International Performance
variable measured: Goals for Single Club
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Club Performance
variable measured: Playing Career Span
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Longevity
variable measured: Copa America Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Continental Honours
variable measured: International Goals Scored
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: International Performance
variable measured: Total Career Club Goals
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Scoring
variable measured: Peak Dribble Success Rate
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Technical Skills
variable measured: Leagues Won at Elite Level
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Team Achievements
variable measured: Career Length at Elite Performance
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Longevity
variable measured: Goals Per Game (Club Peak Period)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Efficiency
variable measured: UEFA Champions League Titles
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: FIFA World Cup Achievements
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variable measured: Career Club Goals (Top 5 Leagues)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Scoring Record
variable measured: Peak Transfer Market Value
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Commercial Value
variable measured: Instagram Followers
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Social Media Reach
variable measured: Career Club Assists (Top 5 Leagues)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Playmaking
variable measured: Ballon d'Or Awards
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Individual Honours
variable measured: Career Club Goals
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Goal Scoring
variable measured: Vertical Jump Height
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Athleticism
variable measured: Peak Goals Per Season Average
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Goal Scoring
variable measured: La Liga Championships
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Club Trophies
variable measured: FIFA World Cup Wins
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: International Trophies
variable measured: Total Career Trophies
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Team Success
variable measured: World Cup Wins
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Tournament Success
variable measured: Peak Performance Duration
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Career Longevity
variable measured: Champions League Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Major Trophies
variable measured: 1986 World Cup Goal Contribution
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Tournament Impact
variable measured: FIFA World Cups Won
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Dribbles Per Match
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Technical Skill
variable measured: Career Span
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Longevity
variable measured: Current Age
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Physical Profile
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
  value reference: Performance Metrics
variable measured: Career Goals-Per-Game Ratio
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Historical Performance
variable measured: Major Career Trophies
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Achievement
variable measured: Injury Absence Rate (2024-25)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Availability
variable measured: Optimal Match Duration
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Physical Capacity
variable measured: World Cup Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Major Trophies
variable measured: Champions League Goals
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: European Competition
variable measured: League Titles
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Career Goals
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: International Appearances
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: International
variable measured: International Goals
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: International
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
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Professionalism
variable measured: Finishing Accuracy
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Scoring
variable measured: Assist Contribution
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Playmaking
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)
variable measured: World Cup Tournament Participations
variable measured: Peak Career Performance Period
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: Goal-Scoring
has defined term: Creativity
has defined term: Trophies
has defined term: Physical Attributes
has defined term: International Performance
has defined term: Tournament Achievement
has defined term: Specialty Skills
has defined term: Club Performance
has defined term: Longevity
has defined term: Continental Honours
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: Scoring Record
has defined term: Commercial Value
has defined term: Social Media Reach
has defined term: Playmaking
has defined term: Individual Honours
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: Career Longevity
has defined term: Major Trophies
has defined term: Tournament Impact
has defined term: Technical Skill
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: International Career
has defined term: Collective Achievements
has defined term: Commercial
has defined term: Experience
has defined term: Career Timeline

Awards
type: DefinedTerm
term code: awards
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
name: Goal Scoring

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

Tournament Achievement
type: DefinedTerm
term code: tournament-achievement
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
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

Scoring Record
type: DefinedTerm
term code: scoring-record
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

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

Individual Honours
type: DefinedTerm
term code: individual-honours
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

Career Longevity
type: DefinedTerm
term code: career-longevity
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

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

Technical Skill
type: DefinedTerm
term code: technical-skill
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

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

Collective Achievements
type: DefinedTerm
term code: collective-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

faq
type: FAQPage
language: en-US
is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
date modified: 2026-07-06T17:09:01.042Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
is part of: lionel-messi-vs-neymar)
main entity: Who is the better goalkeeper?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Neither is a goalkeeper—both are outfield players. Messi primarily plays as a right winger or attacking midfielder, while Neymar plays as a left winger or attacking midfielder.
    language: en-US
main entity: Who has more trophies overall?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Messi has won significantly more: 8 Ballon d'Or awards, 1 World Cup, 4 Champions Leagues, 6 La Liga titles with Barcelona, and multiple Copa America trophies. Neymar has won 2 Copa America titles but zero Ballon d'Or awards and no World Cup or Champions League titles.
    language: en-US
main entity: Who is a better dribbler?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Neymar edges Messi in pure dribbling statistics with 5.8 dribbles per match compared to Messi's 4.2. Neymar is known for flair and unpredictable movements, while Messi uses dribbling more strategically to create shooting opportunities.
    language: en-US
main entity: Who had a better international career?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Messi's international career is superior: he won the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina and scored 106 international goals. Neymar won 2 Copa America titles with Brazil (2021, 2024) but never won a World Cup, with 79 international goals.
    language: en-US
main entity: Who is more creative—more assists?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Messi leads with 321 career assists versus Neymar's 288. While Neymar is celebrated for creativity and playmaking, Messi's sustained assist production over a longer career gives him the edge statistically.
    language: en-US

How to Choose Between Lionel Messi and Neymar
type: HowTo
description: Messi is a more decorated and prolific goalscorer with 8 Ballon d'Or awards and 807 career goals, while Neymar is a more dynamic dribbler and playmaker known for his flair and assist creation. Messi's superior trophy haul and goal-scoring consistency make him statistically the more accomplished player.
language: en-US
total time: PT3M
step: Consider: Ballon d'Or Awards
step: Consider: Career Goals
step: Consider: Career Assists
step: Consider: FIFA World Cups Won
step: Consider: UEFA Champions Leagues Won
step: Consider: Dribbles Per Match (Career Avg)
step: Consider: International Goals
tool: A Versus B Comparison Guide
tip: HowToTip
  text: Messi emerges as the more complete and decorated player with 8 Ballon d'Or awards, 807 career goals, a World Cup title, and 4 Champions League trophies—establishing him as arguably the greatest footballer of all time. However, Neymar's superior dribbling ability, flair, and playmaking creativity make him an exceptional talent; choose Neymar if prioritizing entertainment value and dynamic ball progression. Choose Messi if evaluating pure statistical dominance, trophy achievement, and sustained excellence across two decades.

Consider: Ballon d'Or Awards
type: HowToStep
position: 1
text: Ballon d'Or Awards: Lionel Messi has 8, while Neymar has 0.

Consider: Career Goals
type: HowToStep
position: 2
text: Career Goals: Lionel Messi has 807, while Neymar has 432.

Consider: Career Assists
type: HowToStep
position: 3
text: Career Assists: Lionel Messi has 321, while Neymar has 288.

Consider: FIFA World Cups Won
type: HowToStep
position: 4
text: FIFA World Cups Won: Lionel Messi has 1 (2022), while Neymar has 0.

Consider: UEFA Champions Leagues Won
type: HowToStep
position: 5
text: UEFA Champions Leagues Won: Lionel Messi has 4, while Neymar has 2.

Consider: Dribbles Per Match (Career Avg)
type: HowToStep
position: 6
text: Dribbles Per Match (Career Avg): Lionel Messi has 4.2, while Neymar has 5.8.

Consider: International Goals
type: HowToStep
position: 7
text: International Goals: Lionel Messi has 106, while Neymar has 79.

Lionel Messi vs Neymar
type: SportsEvent
description: Messi is a more decorated and prolific goalscorer with 8 Ballon d'Or awards and 807 career goals, while Neymar is a more dynamic dribbler and playmaker known for his flair and assist creation. Messi's superior trophy haul and goal-scoring consistency make him statistically the more accomplished player.
language: en-US
start date: 2026-07-06T17:09:01.042Z
competitor: Lionel Messi
  type: Person
  description: Argentine legend, former Barcelona icon now at Inter Miami in MLS at age 39
competitor: Neymar
  type: Person
  description: Brazilian winger/forward known for exceptional dribbling, creativity, and flair with 432 career goals and 288 assists.
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 is a more decorated and prolific goalscorer with 8 Ballon d'Or awards and 807 career goals, while Neymar is a more dynamic dribbler and playmaker known for his flair and assist creation. Messi's superior trophy haul and goal-scoring consistency make him statistically the more accomplished player.
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

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: 11 trophies

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)

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Lionel Messi — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

Neymar — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

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

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: Scoring Record

International Caps
type: PropertyValue
value reference: International Career

Major Trophies Won
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Collective 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