Lionel Messi vs Neymar
type: Article
description: Messi has won 8 Ballon d'Or awards and 2 World Cups compared to Neymar's 0 and 0, making him the statistically superior player by individual accolades. However, Neymar remains an elite playmaker and dribbler who excels in creating chances and entertaining play.
language: en-US
date published: 2026-07-08T01:52:01.553Z
date created: 2026-07-08T01:52:01.553Z
date modified: 2026-07-08T01:52:01.633Z
content reference time: 2026-07-08T01:52:01.633Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
about: Lionel Andrés Messi
about: Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior
abstract: Messi has won 8 Ballon d'Or awards and 2 World Cups compared to Neymar's 0 and 0, making him the statistically superior player by individual accolades. However, Neymar remains an elite playmaker and dribbler who excels in creating chances and entertaining play.
text: Ballon d'Or Awards. FIFA World Cup Titles. International Goals. Career Goal Ratio (Goals per Game). Copa América Titles. Peak Dribbling Success Rate (2010-2012). Assists (International Career)
conclusion text: Messi emerges as the superior all-around player with significantly more individual honors, World Cup success, and consistent goal-scoring throughout his career. Choose Messi if you value proven excellence across decades, multiple major tournament wins, and the greatest individual accolades in football history. Choose Neymar if you prioritize entertainment value, elite playmaking ability, and a versatile attacking style that can create from anywhere on the field.
additional property: Career Goals
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 805+ | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: 139 goals
  value reference: Lionel Andrés Messi
additional property: Ballon d'Or Awards
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 8 awards | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: N/A
additional property: World Cup Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 1 (2022) | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: N/A
additional property: Career Assists
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 300+ | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: 68 assists
  value reference: Lionel Andrés Messi
additional property: Top Speed (Peak)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 32.5 | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: N/A
additional property: Games Played (Career)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 900+ | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: N/A
additional property: Goals Per Game Ratio
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 0.82 per game | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: N/A
additional property: Current Age
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 37 | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: 32 years old (born 1992)
  value reference: Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior
additional property: Global Recognition/Reach
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 2,600 million (social media followers) | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: N/A
additional property: Potassium Content
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A (person) | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: N/A
additional property: Career/Product Longevity
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 21 years professional career (2004-2025) | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: N/A
additional property: Peak Performance Window
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 15-20 years (2005-2020 prime years) | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: N/A
additional property: Economic Value Per Unit
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: Career total $600,000,000 | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: N/A
additional property: Fiber Content
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A (person) | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: N/A
additional property: Competitive Achievements
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 8 Ballon d'Or awards | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: N/A
additional property: Ballon d'Or Awards (Career Total)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 8 awards | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: 0 awards
  value reference: Lionel Andrés Messi
additional property: International Goals (Career)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 106 goals in 180 appearances | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: 79 goals in 124 appearances
  value reference: Lionel Andrés Messi
additional property: FIFA World Cup Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 2 titles (2022, 1986) | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: 0 titles (finalist 2014)
  value reference: Lionel Andrés Messi
additional property: International Assists (Career)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 42 assists in 180 games | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: 33 assists in 124 games
  value reference: Lionel Andrés Messi
additional property: Career Goals (All Competitions)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 807 goals | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: 420+
  value reference: Lionel Andrés Messi
additional property: International Goals
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 106 goals | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: 79 goals in 124 caps
  value reference: Lionel Andrés Messi
additional property: World Cup Tournament Peak
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 1 goal, 3 assists (2022, age 35) | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: N/A
additional property: Major Trophy Count
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 35 major trophies | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: N/A
additional property: Elite-Level Career Span
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 21 years (2004-2025) | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: N/A
additional property: Consecutive Ballon d'Or Nominations
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 8 consecutive (2008-2015) | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: N/A
additional property: Playing Style Impact
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: Playmaker-forward hybrid; creator of goals for teammates (336+ assists) | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: N/A
additional property: Goals Per Game Ratio (International)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 0.73 goals/game | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: 0.64 goals/game
  value reference: Lionel Andrés Messi
additional property: Copa América Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 2 titles (2021, 2024) | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: 0 titles (finalist 2007)
  value reference: Lionel Andrés Messi
additional property: Successful Dribbles Per Game (Peak Era 2010-2012)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 71% success rate | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: 68% success rate
  value reference: Lionel Andrés Messi
additional property: International Appearances (Career)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 180 appearances | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: 124 appearances
  value reference: Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior
additional property: Career Total Goals (All Competitions)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 820+ goals | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: N/A
additional property: UEFA Champions League Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 4 | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: N/A
additional property: La Liga/Serie A/Ligue 1 Titles Combined
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 16 La Liga titles | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: N/A
additional property: Peak Season Goal-Scoring Rate
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 73 goals (2011-12 season) | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: N/A
additional property: Copa América/Euro Titles Combined
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 2 Copa América (2021, 2024) | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: N/A
additional property: Ballon d'Or Awards Won
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 8 awards | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: N/A
additional property: Career Goals Scored (All Competitions)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 807 goals | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: N/A
additional property: Career Assists (All Competitions)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 192 assists | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: 280+
  value reference: Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior
additional property: Years Elite Performance Sustained
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 13 years (2008-2021 peak) | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: N/A
additional property: La Liga Titles Won
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 10 titles | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: N/A
additional property: Career Goals (Official)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 823 | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: N/A
additional property: Peak Years at Elite Level
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 21 (2004-2025) | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: N/A
additional property: Copa America Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 2 | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: N/A
additional property: Career Goals Scored
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 805 goals | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: N/A
additional property: International Caps
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 180 appearances | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: N/A
additional property: FIFA World Cup Championships
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 1 championship (2022) | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: N/A
additional property: Copa América Championships
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 2 titles (2021, 2024) | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: N/A
additional property: Single-Season Goal Record
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 92 goals (2012) | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: N/A
additional property: Games Played
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: 715 games
interactivity type: active
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/entity/lionel-andr-s-messi
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/lionel-andr-s-messi
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/entity/neymar-da-silva-santos-j-nior
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/neymar-da-silva-santos-j-nior
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/cristiano-ronaldo-vs-neymar-career-stats-comparison-2026
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/neymar-vs-mbape
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/lionel-messi-vs-kylian-mbappe
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/messi-vs-banana
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/neymar-vs-mbappe)
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/lionel-messi-vs-diego-maradona)
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 Andrés Messi and Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior
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 Andrés Messi
type: Person
alternate name: LAM
alternate name: Lionel Andr S Messi
language: en-US
description: Argentine forward widely considered the greatest footballer of all time with 8 Ballon d'Or awards and 2 World Cup titles.
image: ImageObject
  caption: Lionel Andrés Messi
subject of: Lionel Messi vs Neymar
image: ImageObject
  caption: Lionel Andrés Messi

Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior
type: Person
alternate name: NDSSJ
alternate name: Neymar Da Silva Santos J Nior
language: en-US
description: Brazilian winger known for elite dribbling, playmaking, and 2 major trophies with PSG and Barcelona.
image: ImageObject
  caption: Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior
subject of: Lionel Messi vs Neymar
image: ImageObject
  caption: Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior

Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Structured Comparison Data
type: Dataset
description: Machine-readable comparison dataset for Lionel Messi vs Neymar. Contains 75 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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  encoding format: application/json
variable measured: Career Goals
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  value reference: Offensive Production
variable measured: Ballon d'Or Awards
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Individual Honors
variable measured: World Cup Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Major Trophies
variable measured: Career Assists
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Playmaking
variable measured: Top Speed (Peak)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Physical Attributes
variable measured: Games Played (Career)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Experience
variable measured: Goals Per Game Ratio
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Efficiency
variable measured: Current Age
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Career Stage
variable measured: Global Recognition/Reach
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Influence & Accessibility
variable measured: Potassium Content
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Nutrition
variable measured: Career/Product Longevity
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Duration & Sustainability
variable measured: Peak Performance Window
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Duration & Sustainability
variable measured: Economic Value Per Unit
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Market Value
variable measured: Fiber Content
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Nutrition
variable measured: Competitive Achievements
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Ballon d'Or Awards (Career Total)
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  value reference: Individual Awards
variable measured: International Goals (Career)
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variable measured: FIFA World Cup Titles
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variable measured: International Assists (Career)
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  value reference: Creative Output
variable measured: Career Goals (All Competitions)
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variable measured: International Goals
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: International Record
variable measured: World Cup Tournament Peak
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Tournament Dominance
variable measured: Major Trophy Count
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  value reference: Achievements
variable measured: Elite-Level Career Span
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  value reference: Longevity
variable measured: Consecutive Ballon d'Or Nominations
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Consistency
variable measured: Playing Style Impact
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Tactical Influence
variable measured: Goals Per Game Ratio (International)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Efficiency
variable measured: Copa América Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Major Trophies
variable measured: Successful Dribbles Per Game (Peak Era 2010-2012)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Technical Ability
variable measured: International Appearances (Career)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Experience
variable measured: Career Total Goals (All Competitions)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Scoring
variable measured: UEFA Champions League Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Team Honours
variable measured: La Liga/Serie A/Ligue 1 Titles Combined
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Domestic League Success
variable measured: Peak Season Goal-Scoring Rate
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Offensive Consistency
variable measured: Copa América/Euro Titles Combined
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Continental Championships
variable measured: Ballon d'Or Awards Won
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  value reference: Individual Honours
variable measured: Career Goals Scored (All Competitions)
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variable measured: Career Assists (All Competitions)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Playmaking
variable measured: Years Elite Performance Sustained
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Longevity
variable measured: La Liga Titles Won
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Club Trophies
variable measured: Career Goals (Official)
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variable measured: Peak Years at Elite Level
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  value reference: Career Longevity
variable measured: Copa America Titles
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variable measured: Career Goals Scored
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  value reference: Offensive Statistics
variable measured: International Caps
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  value reference: International Performance
variable measured: FIFA World Cup Championships
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  value reference: Major Tournament Success
variable measured: Copa América Championships
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  value reference: Major Tournament Success
variable measured: Single-Season Goal Record
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Peak Performance
variable measured: Games Played
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Career Volume
variable measured: Goals Per Game
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Efficiency
variable measured: Assists Per Game
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Playmaking
variable measured: Player Height
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Physical Attributes
variable measured: Career Combined Goals + Assists
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Total Contribution
variable measured: Top Speed
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Dribbling Ability
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Technical Skills
variable measured: FIFA World Cup Wins
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  value reference: International Trophies
variable measured: Current Age (2026)
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  value reference: Career Stage
variable measured: Goal Conversion Rate
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  value reference: Finishing Efficiency
variable measured: Current FC 26 Overall Rating
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Game Rating (Feb 2026)
variable measured: Career Goals (as of 2026)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Offensive Production
variable measured: International Assists (Career Total)
variable measured: World Cup Championships
variable measured: Continental Championships
variable measured: Estimated Career Games Missed (Injuries)
variable measured: Peak Sprint Speed
variable measured: Dribbles per 90 Minutes (Average)
variable measured: Goals Per Game Average
variable measured: Dribbles Per Game
variable measured: Top Speed Recorded
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: Offensive Production
has defined term: Individual Honors
has defined term: Major Trophies
has defined term: Playmaking
has defined term: Physical Attributes
has defined term: Experience
has defined term: Efficiency
has defined term: Career Stage
has defined term: Influence & Accessibility
has defined term: Nutrition
has defined term: Duration & Sustainability
has defined term: Market Value
has defined term: Achievement
has defined term: Individual Awards
has defined term: Offensive Output
has defined term: Creative Output
has defined term: International Record
has defined term: Tournament Dominance
has defined term: Achievements
has defined term: Longevity
has defined term: Consistency
has defined term: Tactical Influence
has defined term: Technical Ability
has defined term: Scoring
has defined term: Team Honours
has defined term: Domestic League Success
has defined term: Offensive Consistency
has defined term: Continental Championships
has defined term: Individual Honours
has defined term: Club Trophies
has defined term: Career Longevity
has defined term: Continental Honours
has defined term: Offensive Statistics
has defined term: International Performance
has defined term: Major Tournament Success
has defined term: Peak Performance
has defined term: Career Volume
has defined term: Total Contribution
has defined term: Technical Skills
has defined term: International Trophies
has defined term: Finishing Efficiency
has defined term: Game Rating (Feb 2026)
has defined term: Durability
has defined term: Physical Profile
has defined term: Technical Skill
has defined term: Dribbling

Offensive Production
type: DefinedTerm
term code: offensive-production
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

Major Trophies
type: DefinedTerm
term code: major-trophies
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

Physical Attributes
type: DefinedTerm
term code: physical-attributes
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

Efficiency
type: DefinedTerm
term code: efficiency
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

Influence & Accessibility
type: DefinedTerm
term code: influence-&-accessibility
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

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

Duration & Sustainability
type: DefinedTerm
term code: duration-&-sustainability
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Market Value
type: DefinedTerm
term code: market-value
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

Individual Awards
type: DefinedTerm
term code: individual-awards
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

Creative Output
type: DefinedTerm
term code: creative-output
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

Tournament Dominance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: tournament-dominance
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

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

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

Tactical Influence
type: DefinedTerm
term code: tactical-influence
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

Scoring
type: DefinedTerm
term code: scoring
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

Domestic League Success
type: DefinedTerm
term code: domestic-league-success
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Neymar — Attribute Category Vocabulary

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

Continental Championships
type: DefinedTerm
term code: continental-championships
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

Club Trophies
type: DefinedTerm
term code: club-trophies
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

Continental Honours
type: DefinedTerm
term code: continental-honours
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

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

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

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

Total Contribution
type: DefinedTerm
term code: total-contribution
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

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

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

Game Rating (Feb 2026)
type: DefinedTerm
term code: game-rating-(feb-2026)
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

Physical Profile
type: DefinedTerm
term code: physical-profile
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

Dribbling
type: DefinedTerm
term code: dribbling
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: 2026-07-08T01:52:01.633Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
is part of: lionel-messi-vs-neymar))
main entity: Who is the better footballer, Messi or Neymar?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Messi is statistically superior with 8 Ballon d'Or awards (Neymar has 0), 2 World Cup titles (Neymar has 0), and 106 international goals versus 79. However, 'better' depends on criteria: Messi excels in consistency and individual accolades; Neymar offers superior dribbling entertainment and playmaking from wide positions. Most experts rank Messi higher overall.
    language: en-US
main entity: Why has Neymar never won a Ballon d'Or despite being elite?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Neymar played simultaneously with Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo during the peak voting years (2010-2018), when these two dominated the award. Additionally, Neymar's lack of major tournament wins (no World Cup, Copa, or Champions League titles as primary player) and his inconsistent availability due to injuries (46+ major injuries) limited his claim relative to peers who delivered trophies.
    language: en-US
main entity: Who is the better dribbler?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Both are elite dribblers, but Neymar edges Messi in pure dribbling entertainment and flair. Neymar averaged 1.1+ dribbles per game in peak years versus Messi's 0.9, with both maintaining 65%+ success rates. Messi's dribbling is more efficient (leading to goals/assists), while Neymar's is more visually spectacular with more attempts per game.
    language: en-US
main entity: What is Neymar's career achievement compared to Messi?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Neymar has 79 international goals, 33 assists, 124 appearances, 2 Olympic gold medals (2016), and Champions League titles (with Barcelona and PSG), but no World Cup, Ballon d'Or, Copa América, or sustained individual honors. Messi has 106 goals, 42 assists, 180 appearances, 8 Ballon d'Or awards, 2 World Cups, and 2 Copa América titles.
    language: en-US
main entity: Who has the better international record?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Messi significantly outperforms with 106 goals in 180 games (0.73 per game) and 2 World Cup victories, versus Neymar's 79 goals in 124 games (0.64 per game) with no World Cup titles. Messi's 2022 World Cup MVP performance and 2024 Copa América success solidify his international dominance. Neymar reached the 2014 World Cup final but finished runner-up.
    language: en-US

How to Choose Between Lionel Andrés Messi and Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior
type: HowTo
description: Messi has won 8 Ballon d'Or awards and 2 World Cups compared to Neymar's 0 and 0, making him the statistically superior player by individual accolades. However, Neymar remains an elite playmaker and dribbler who excels in creating chances and entertaining play.
language: en-US
total time: PT3M
step: Consider: Ballon d'Or Awards
step: Consider: FIFA World Cup Titles
step: Consider: International Goals
step: Consider: Career Goal Ratio (Goals per Game)
step: Consider: Copa América Titles
step: Consider: Peak Dribbling Success Rate (2010-2012)
step: Consider: Assists (International Career)
tool: A Versus B Comparison Guide
tip: HowToTip
  text: Messi emerges as the superior all-around player with significantly more individual honors, World Cup success, and consistent goal-scoring throughout his career. Choose Messi if you value proven excellence across decades, multiple major tournament wins, and the greatest individual accolades in football history. Choose Neymar if you prioritize entertainment value, elite playmaking ability, and a versatile attacking style that can create from anywhere on the field.

Consider: Ballon d'Or Awards
type: HowToStep
position: 1
text: Ballon d'Or Awards: Lionel Andrés Messi has 8 awards (2009-2015, 2019, 2021), while Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior has 0 awards.

Consider: FIFA World Cup Titles
type: HowToStep
position: 2
text: FIFA World Cup Titles: Lionel Andrés Messi has 2 (2022, 1986), while Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior has 0 (runner-up 2014).

Consider: International Goals
type: HowToStep
position: 3
text: International Goals: Lionel Andrés Messi has 106 goals in 180 appearances, while Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior has 79 goals in 124 appearances.

Consider: Career Goal Ratio (Goals per Game)
type: HowToStep
position: 4
text: Career Goal Ratio (Goals per Game): Lionel Andrés Messi has 0.73 goals/game, while Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior has 0.64 goals/game.

Consider: Copa América Titles
type: HowToStep
position: 5
text: Copa América Titles: Lionel Andrés Messi has 2 (2021, 2024), while Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior has 0 (finalist 2007).

Consider: Peak Dribbling Success Rate (2010-2012)
type: HowToStep
position: 6
text: Peak Dribbling Success Rate (2010-2012): Lionel Andrés Messi has 71% successful dribbles per game, while Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior has 68% successful dribbles per game.

Consider: Assists (International Career)
type: HowToStep
position: 7
text: Assists (International Career): Lionel Andrés Messi has 42 assists in 180 games, while Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior has 33 assists in 124 games.

Lionel Messi vs Neymar
type: SportsEvent
description: Messi has won 8 Ballon d'Or awards and 2 World Cups compared to Neymar's 0 and 0, making him the statistically superior player by individual accolades. However, Neymar remains an elite playmaker and dribbler who excels in creating chances and entertaining play.
language: en-US
start date: 2026-07-08T01:52:01.633Z
competitor: Lionel Andrés Messi
  type: Person
  description: Argentine forward widely considered the greatest footballer of all time with 8 Ballon d'Or awards and 2 World Cup titles.
competitor: Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior
  type: Person
  description: Brazilian winger known for elite dribbling, playmaking, and 2 major trophies with PSG and Barcelona.
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 2 World Cups compared to Neymar's 0 and 0, making him the statistically superior player by individual accolades. However, Neymar remains an elite playmaker and dribbler who excels in creating chances and entertaining play.
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

Goals Per Game
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: 0.61 goals/game

Assists Per Game
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: 0.36 assists/game

Player Height
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: 175 cm

Career Combined Goals + Assists
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: 693 combined

Top Speed
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: 32 km/h

Dribbling Ability
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: 94/100

FIFA World Cup Wins
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: 0

Current Age (2026)
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: 32

Goal Conversion Rate
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: 18.5%

Current FC 26 Overall Rating
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: 85/100 (CAM, Al-Hilal)

Career Goals (as of 2026)
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: 280+ goals

International Assists (Career Total)
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: 85+ assists

World Cup Championships
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: 0 titles

Continental Championships
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: 2 titles

Estimated Career Games Missed (Injuries)
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: 150+ games

Peak Sprint Speed
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: 32.5 km/h

Dribbles per 90 Minutes (Average)
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: 8.2 dribbles

Goals Per Game Average
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: 0.44

Dribbles Per Game
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: 2.8

Top Speed Recorded
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: 32.5 km/h

Major Trophies Won
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: 31 titles

Career Goals (Club & International)
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: 400+ club goals, 79 international (479 total)

Champions League Titles
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: 1 title (2015 with Barcelona)

Major Trophy Count (Club & International)
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: 15 trophies

Career Assists (Estimated)
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: 65+ assists

FIFA World Team of the Year Selections
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior: 6 selections (2011, 2014, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2022)

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Lionel Andrés Messi — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

Compare Lionel Andrés Messi vs Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior
type: Action
additional type: CompareAction
target: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/lionel-messi-vs-neymar))
object: Lionel Andrés Messi
object: Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior

International Assists (Career Total)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Playmaking

World Cup Championships
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Major Trophies

Continental Championships
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Major Trophies

Estimated Career Games Missed (Injuries)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Durability

Peak Sprint Speed
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Physical Profile

Dribbles per 90 Minutes (Average)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Technical Skill

Goals Per Game Average
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Efficiency

Dribbles Per Game
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Dribbling

Top Speed Recorded
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Physical Attributes

Major Trophies Won
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Achievements

Career Goals (Club & International)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Scoring

Champions League Titles
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Club Trophies

Major Trophy Count (Club & International)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Club Trophies

Career Assists (Estimated)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Playmaking

FIFA World Team of the Year Selections
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Individual Awards