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.
Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Argentine legend, former Barcelona icon now at Inter Miami in MLS at age 39
Brazilian winger/forward known for exceptional dribbling, creativity, and flair with 432 career goals and 288 assists.
Ballon d'Or Awards. Career Goals. Career Assists. FIFA World Cups Won. UEFA Champions Leagues Won. Dribbles Per Match (Career Avg). International Goals
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.
Lionel Messi: 643 (Barcelona) | Neymar: N/A
Lionel Messi: 34 (1992-2026) | Neymar: N/A
Lionel Messi: 2 (2021, 2024) | Neymar: N/A
Lionel Messi: 19 years (2004-2023) | Neymar: N/A
Lionel Messi: 0.73 per match | Neymar: N/A
Lionel Messi: Winner 2022 (7 goals) | Neymar: Never reached final
Lionel Messi: 672 goals | Neymar: 302 goals
Lionel Messi: $150 million (2018) | Neymar: $263 million (2017)
Lionel Messi: 88 million | Neymar: 224 million
Lionel Messi: 192 assists | Neymar: 229 assists
Lionel Messi: 56 (2011-12) | Neymar: N/A
Lionel Messi: 18+ seasons (2006-2024) | Neymar: N/A
Lionel Messi: 6 goals + 1 assist in 2022 | Neymar: N/A
Lionel Messi: N/A | Neymar: 1 World Cup winner 2002
Lionel Messi: N/A | Neymar: 3 tournaments
Lionel Messi: N/A | Neymar: 2013-2021 (8 years)
How to choose between Lionel Messi and Neymar
Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Lionel Messi vs Neymar. Contains 68 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Lionel Messi vs Neymar.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How to Choose Between Lionel Messi and Neymar
Ballon d'Or Awards: Lionel Messi has 8, while Neymar has 0.
Career Goals: Lionel Messi has 807, while Neymar has 432.
Career Assists: Lionel Messi has 321, while Neymar has 288.
FIFA World Cups Won: Lionel Messi has 1 (2022), while Neymar has 0.
UEFA Champions Leagues Won: Lionel Messi has 4, while Neymar has 2.
Consider: Dribbles Per Match (Career Avg)
Dribbles Per Match (Career Avg): Lionel Messi has 4.2, while Neymar has 5.8.
International Goals: Lionel Messi has 106, while Neymar has 79.