Messi has surpassed Pelé in career goal-scoring records and free-kicks as of 2026, achieving 900+ career goals compared to Pelé's 757-1,283 disputed total, while Pelé dominated an earlier era with 3 World Cups versus Messi's 1 championship. Both are considered among football's greatest players, but Messi's statistical achievements in the modern era have now eclipsed Pelé's legendary legacy.
Lionel Messi vs Pelé — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Argentine playmaker-forward with 8 Ballon d'Or awards, 2 World Cups, and 35 major trophies including record-breaking individual seasons
Brazilian forward (1940-) who won 3 FIFA World Cups, scored 77 international goals, and is credited with globalizing soccer.
Career Goals. FIFA World Cup Wins. Ballon d'Or Awards. Direct Free-Kicks Scored. Goals for Single Club. Playing Era. International Caps
Messi has objectively achieved more individual statistical milestones in the modern era with 900+ career goals, 71 free-kick goals, and 8 Ballon d'Or awards. However, Pelé's 3 World Cup victories remain unmatched and were achieved in a different competitive landscape across fewer total matches. Choose Messi if evaluating pure goal-scoring prowess and individual honors in contemporary football; choose Pelé if prioritizing World Cup dominance and historical significance in the sport's development.
Lionel Messi: 810 | Pelé: 757-1,283 (disputed)
Lionel Messi: 106 in 180 caps | Pelé: N/A
Lionel Messi: 71 | Pelé: ~50 (estimated)
Lionel Messi: 643 (Barcelona) | Pelé: 643 (Santos)
Lionel Messi: 19 years (2004-2023) | Pelé: N/A
Lionel Messi: 0.73 per match | Pelé: N/A
Lionel Messi: Winner 2022 (7 goals) | Pelé: N/A
Lionel Messi: $150 million (2018) | Pelé: N/A
Lionel Messi: 6 years (ages 24-30) | Pelé: N/A
Lionel Messi: 6 goals + 1 assist in 2022 | Pelé: N/A
Lionel Messi: 1 World Cup (2022) | Pelé: N/A
Lionel Messi: 21 years (2004-2025) | Pelé: N/A
Lionel Messi: 2 (2021, 2024) | Pelé: N/A
Lionel Messi: 1 championship (2022) | Pelé: N/A
Lionel Messi: 2 (La Liga, Ligue 1) | Pelé: N/A
Lionel Messi: Champion 2022, Finals MVP, 5 appearances | Pelé: N/A
Lionel Messi: 19+ years (2004-2023) | Pelé: N/A
Lionel Messi: 2 (2021 Copa America + Euro runner-up) | Pelé: N/A
Lionel Messi: 17+ years (2004-2026) | Pelé: N/A
Lionel Messi: 10 (8 La Liga, 2 Ligue 1) | Pelé: N/A
Lionel Messi: 1 title (2022) | Pelé: N/A
Lionel Messi: 20 years (2004-2024) | Pelé: N/A
Lionel Messi: 2 titles (2021, 2024) | Pelé: N/A
Lionel Messi: 3 (1 World Cup + 2 Copa América) | Pelé: N/A
Lionel Messi: 1 win (Copa América 2021) | Pelé: N/A
Lionel Messi: 23 years (2003-2026) | Pelé: N/A
Lionel Messi: 73 (2011-12 season) | Pelé: N/A
Total Major Trophies (Club + International)
Lionel Messi: N/A | Pelé: N/A (did not play)
Lionel Messi: N/A | Pelé: 10 (Santos, Cosmos)
Copa Libertadores/South American Club Titles
Lionel Messi: N/A | Pelé: 1958-1970 (ages 18-30)
How to choose between Lionel Messi and Pelé
Lionel Messi vs Pelé — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Lionel Messi vs Pelé. Contains 102 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Lionel Messi vs Pelé — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Lionel Messi vs Pelé.
How many career goals does Messi have compared to Pelé?
As of 2026, Messi has 900+ official career goals across club and international football. Pelé's official FIFA-recognized tally is approximately 767 competitive goals, though Santos F.C. and some sources cite 1,000+ when including unofficial and exhibition matches. By competitive goals in official matches, Messi leads Pelé.
How many Ballon d'Or awards does Messi have?
Messi has won 8 Ballon d'Or awards — more than any player in history. His wins came in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, and 2023. The Ballon d'Or did not exist in its current form during Pelé's career (it was restricted to European players until 1995).
Yes. Messi won the FIFA World Cup with Argentina in 2022, defeating France in a dramatic penalty shootout final. This was considered the missing piece of his legacy argument. He also won the Copa América with Argentina in 2021, ending a 28-year international title drought for the country.
Pelé won three FIFA World Cups: 1958 (age 17), 1962 (played fewer matches due to injury), and 1970 — a record no other player has matched. His 1970 Brazil team is widely considered the greatest World Cup team ever assembled. No other player in history has three World Cup winner's medals.
Who is considered the greatest of all time — Messi or Pelé?
There is no consensus. Most current football analysts, managers, and former players name Messi as the GOAT, citing his superior statistics in modern competitive football, 8 Ballon d'Or awards, and 2022 World Cup. Many older generations and Brazilians name Pelé, citing his three World Cups and dominance in his era. Both are legitimate answers depending on what you weigh most heavily.
How to Choose Between Lionel Messi and Pelé
Career Goals: Lionel Messi has 900+, while Pelé has 757-1,283 (disputed).
FIFA World Cup Wins: Lionel Messi has 1 (2022), while Pelé has 3 (1958, 1962, 1970).
Ballon d'Or Awards: Lionel Messi has 8, while Pelé has 0 (award didn't exist).
Direct Free-Kicks Scored: Lionel Messi has 71, while Pelé has ~50 (estimated).
Goals for Single Club: Lionel Messi has 643 (Barcelona), while Pelé has 643 (Santos).
Playing Era: Lionel Messi has 1992-2026 (Modern), while Pelé has 1956-1977 (Classic).
International Caps: Lionel Messi has 180+, while Pelé has 92.
Messi has surpassed Pelé in career goal-scoring records and free-kicks as of 2026, achieving 900+ career goals compared to Pelé's 757-1,283 disputed total, while Pelé dominated an earlier era with 3 World Cups versus Messi's 1 championship. Both are considered among football's greatest players, but