Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo
type: Article
description: Messi edges Ronaldo in overall career achievements with 8 Ballon d'Or awards versus Ronaldo's 5, superior playmaking (192 career assists vs 140), and a FIFA World Cup victory in 2022. Ronaldo leads in international goals (140 vs 129) and maintained higher athleticism into his late 30s, though both are considered among football's greatest players.
language: en-US
date published: 2026-07-06T05:42:47.636Z
date created: 2026-07-06T05:42:47.636Z
date modified: 2026-07-06T05:42:47.690Z
content reference time: 2026-07-06T05:42:47.690Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
about: Lionel Andrés Messi
about: Cristiano Ronaldo
abstract: Messi edges Ronaldo in overall career achievements with 8 Ballon d'Or awards versus Ronaldo's 5, superior playmaking (192 career assists vs 140), and a FIFA World Cup victory in 2022. Ronaldo leads in international goals (140 vs 129) and maintained higher athleticism into his late 30s, though both are considered among football's greatest players.
text: Ballon d'Or Awards. FIFA World Cup Titles. International Goals Scored. Career Assists. Peak Physical Athleticism Window. La Liga Titles Won. Premier League Goals (Career)
conclusion text: Messi wins the historical legacy argument with 8 Ballon d'Or awards, a World Cup championship, superior playmaking, and dominance in La Liga. Ronaldo wins the international scoring race and demonstrated longevity at elite level into his late 30s. Choose Messi if prioritizing overall trophies and creative brilliance; choose Ronaldo if valuing goal-scoring consistency and athletic durability across multiple leagues.
additional property: Career Goals
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 805+ | Cristiano Ronaldo: 414 goals
  value reference: Lionel Andrés Messi
additional property: Ballon d'Or Awards
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 8 awards | Cristiano Ronaldo: 5
  value reference: Lionel Andrés Messi
additional property: World Cup Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 1 (2022) | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
additional property: Career Assists
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 300+ | Cristiano Ronaldo: 260+ assists
  value reference: Lionel Andrés Messi
additional property: Top Speed (Peak)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 32.5 | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
additional property: Games Played (Career)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 900+ | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
additional property: Goals Per Game Ratio
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 0.89 | Cristiano Ronaldo: 0.67
  value reference: Lionel Andrés Messi
additional property: Current Age
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 37 | Cristiano Ronaldo: 39 years
  value reference: Lionel Andrés Messi
additional property: Global Recognition/Reach
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 2,600 million (social media followers) | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
additional property: Potassium Content
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A (person) | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
additional property: Career/Product Longevity
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 21 years professional career (2004-2025) | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
additional property: Peak Performance Window
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 15-20 years (2005-2020 prime years) | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
additional property: Economic Value Per Unit
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: Career total $600,000,000 | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
additional property: Fiber Content
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A (person) | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
additional property: Competitive Achievements
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 8 Ballon d'Or awards | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
additional property: Career Goals (All Competitions)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 807 goals | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
additional property: International Goals
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 129 goals | Cristiano Ronaldo: 140 goals
  value reference: Cristiano Ronaldo
additional property: World Cup Tournament Peak
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 1 goal, 3 assists (2022, age 35) | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
additional property: Major Trophy Count
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 35 major trophies | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
additional property: Elite-Level Career Span
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 21 years (2004-2025) | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
additional property: Consecutive Ballon d'Or Nominations
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 8 consecutive (2008-2015) | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
additional property: Playing Style Impact
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: Playmaker-forward hybrid; creator of goals for teammates (336+ assists) | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
additional property: Career Total Goals (All Competitions)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 820+ goals | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
additional property: UEFA Champions League Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 4 titles | Cristiano Ronaldo: 5 titles
  value reference: Cristiano Ronaldo
additional property: La Liga/Serie A/Ligue 1 Titles Combined
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 16 La Liga titles | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
additional property: Peak Season Goal-Scoring Rate
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 73 goals (2011-12 season) | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
additional property: Copa América/Euro Titles Combined
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 2 Copa América (2021, 2024) | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
additional property: Ballon d'Or Awards Won
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 8 awards | Cristiano Ronaldo: 5 awards
  value reference: Lionel Andrés Messi
additional property: Career Goals Scored (All Competitions)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 807 goals | Cristiano Ronaldo: 890 goals
  value reference: Cristiano Ronaldo
additional property: Career Assists (All Competitions)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 192 assists | Cristiano Ronaldo: 140 assists
  value reference: Lionel Andrés Messi
additional property: FIFA World Cup Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 1 title (2022) | Cristiano Ronaldo: 0 titles
  value reference: Lionel Andrés Messi
additional property: Years Elite Performance Sustained
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 13 years (2008-2021 peak) | Cristiano Ronaldo: 18 years (2007-2025 peak)
  value reference: Cristiano Ronaldo
additional property: La Liga Titles Won
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: 10 titles | Cristiano Ronaldo: 2 titles
  value reference: Lionel Andrés Messi
additional property: Ballon d'Or Awards
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 5
additional property: Champions League Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 5
additional property: World Cup Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 0
additional property: Height
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 187cm
additional property: Games Played
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 616 games
additional property: Goals Per Game
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 0.67 goals/game
additional property: Assists Per Game
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 0.21 assists/game
additional property: Player Height
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 187 cm
additional property: Career Combined Goals + Assists
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 541 combined
additional property: Total Career Goals
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 414 goals
additional property: Career Assists (Age 28)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: ~90 assists
additional property: Career Goals Scored
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 890+ goals
additional property: International Caps
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 200+ caps
additional property: Major Trophies Won
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 34
additional property: Estimated Market Value (2024)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: $50M
additional property: World Cup Tournament Participations
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 5 (targeting 6th in 2026)
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/cristiano-ronaldo
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/cristiano-ronaldo
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/api/answer/messi-vs-ronaldo)
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/api/v1/schema/messi-vs-ronaldo)
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/messi-vs-ronaldo
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/cristiano-ronaldo-vs-neymar-career-stats-comparison-2026
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/neymar-vs-cristiano-ronaldo-career-stats-comparison-2026
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/cristiano-ronaldo-vs-neymar
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/cristiano-ronaldo-vs-robert-lewandowski
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/cristiano-ronaldo-vs-kylian-mbappe
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/lionel-messi-vs-kylian-mbappe
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/messi-vs-banana
teaches: How to choose between Lionel Andrés Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
genre: Sports

primaryImage
type: ImageObject
width: 1200
height: 630
caption: Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo — 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 with record 8 Ballon d'Or awards and 2022 FIFA World Cup champion.
subject of: Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo
type: Person
alternate name: CR
language: en-US
description: Portuguese forward with 140 international goals and exceptional longevity across five major leagues.
image: ImageObject
  caption: Cristiano Ronaldo
subject of: Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo
image: ImageObject
  caption: Cristiano Ronaldo

Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo — Structured Comparison Data
type: Dataset
description: Machine-readable comparison dataset for Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo. 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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distribution: Structured FAQ pairs JSON
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distribution: AI Answer API (citation-ready)
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distribution: Related comparisons JSON
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variable measured: Career Goals
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variable measured: World Cup Titles
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variable measured: Global Recognition/Reach
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variable measured: Potassium Content
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variable measured: Career/Product Longevity
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variable measured: Peak Performance Window
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variable measured: Economic Value Per Unit
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variable measured: Competitive Achievements
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variable measured: Career Goals (All Competitions)
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variable measured: International Goals
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  value reference: International Record
variable measured: World Cup Tournament Peak
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variable measured: Elite-Level Career Span
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variable measured: Consecutive Ballon d'Or Nominations
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variable measured: Playing Style Impact
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variable measured: UEFA Champions League Titles
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variable measured: La Liga/Serie A/Ligue 1 Titles Combined
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variable measured: Copa América/Euro Titles Combined
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variable measured: Ballon d'Or Awards Won
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variable measured: Career Goals Scored (All Competitions)
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variable measured: Career Assists (All Competitions)
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variable measured: FIFA World Cup Titles
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variable measured: Years Elite Performance Sustained
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variable measured: Goals Per Game
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variable measured: Assists Per Game
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variable measured: Career Combined Goals + Assists
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variable measured: Major Trophies Won
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variable measured: Estimated Market Value (2024)
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variable measured: World Cup Tournament Participations
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variable measured: Peak Career Performance Period
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variable measured: Champions League Different Opponents Scored Against
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variable measured: Market Value (2026)
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variable measured: Sprint Speed Rating (FIFA/EA Sports)
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variable measured: Real Madrid First 90 Games Comparison
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variable measured: International Goals Scored
variable measured: Total Career Club Goals
variable measured: Peak Dribble Success Rate
variable measured: Leagues Won at Elite Level
variable measured: Career Length at Elite Performance
variable measured: International Appearances
variable measured: Goals Per Game (Club Peak Period)
variable measured: Career Goals Total
variable measured: Goals Per Season (5-Year Average)
is based on: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/messi-vs-ronaldo)

Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary
type: DefinedTermSet
language: en-US
description: Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo.
has defined term: Offensive Output
has defined term: Individual Recognition
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: 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: Scoring
has defined term: Club Trophies
has defined term: Domestic League Success
has defined term: Offensive Consistency
has defined term: Continental Championships
has defined term: Individual Honours
has defined term: Awards
has defined term: Trophies
has defined term: Career Volume
has defined term: Total Contribution
has defined term: Scoring Record
has defined term: Collective Achievements
has defined term: Commercial
has defined term: Career Timeline
has defined term: European Club Competition
has defined term: Video Game Performance Rating
has defined term: Financial
has defined term: Athletic Performance
has defined term: Financial Value
has defined term: Club Performance
has defined term: International Performance
has defined term: Technical Skills
has defined term: Team Achievements
has defined term: Legacy
has defined term: Performance
has defined term: European Competition
has defined term: Goal Scoring
has defined term: Athleticism
has defined term: International Trophies

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

Individual Recognition
type: DefinedTerm
term code: individual-recognition
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Market Value
type: DefinedTerm
term code: market-value
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary

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

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

Tournament Dominance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: tournament-dominance
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary

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

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

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

Tactical Influence
type: DefinedTerm
term code: tactical-influence
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary

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

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

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

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

Continental Championships
type: DefinedTerm
term code: continental-championships
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Individual Honours
type: DefinedTerm
term code: individual-honours
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary

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

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

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

Total Contribution
type: DefinedTerm
term code: total-contribution
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary

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

Collective Achievements
type: DefinedTerm
term code: collective-achievements
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary

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

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

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

Video Game Performance Rating
type: DefinedTerm
term code: video-game-performance-rating
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Financial
type: DefinedTerm
term code: financial
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Athletic Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: athletic-performance
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Financial Value
type: DefinedTerm
term code: financial-value
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary

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

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

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

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

Legacy
type: DefinedTerm
term code: legacy
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: performance
in defined term set: Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary

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

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

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

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

faq
type: FAQPage
language: en-US
is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
date modified: 2026-07-06T05:42:47.690Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
is part of: messi-vs-ronaldo)
main entity: Who has scored more career goals: Messi or Ronaldo?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 890 total goals across all competitions compared to Messi's 807 goals. However, Messi has provided 192 assists versus Ronaldo's 140, demonstrating different styles: Ronaldo as a pure goal scorer and Messi as a creative facilitator.
    language: en-US
main entity: Why does Messi have more Ballon d'Or awards despite similar career totals?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Messi won 8 Ballon d'Or awards (2009-2015, 2019, 2021) versus Ronaldo's 5 (2008, 2013-2014, 2016-2017), reflecting voting trends that favored Messi's peak years (2009-2012) when he won 4 consecutive awards. Ronaldo's 5 awards still place him among the greatest ever; the gap reflects different peak periods rather than massive ability differences.
    language: en-US
main entity: Who won more World Cup titles?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Messi won the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina, the only World Cup title between them. Ronaldo played in 5 World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022) but never won the tournament, reaching quarterfinals twice. This remains Messi's most decisive historical advantage.
    language: en-US
main entity: Which player had a longer elite career peak?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Ronaldo maintained elite-level performance for approximately 18 years (2007-2025), competing at the highest level into his late 30s. Messi's peak lasted roughly 13 years (2008-2021), after which his performance level gradually declined. Ronaldo's superior athleticism and maintenance of muscle mass extended his productive window considerably.
    language: en-US
main entity: Who was a better playmaker: Messi or Ronaldo?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Messi was significantly the better playmaker with 192 career assists compared to Ronaldo's 140 assists. This 52-assist difference reflects Messi's role as a creative hub in his teams' attacking systems, while Ronaldo evolved into a more direct goal scorer, especially at Manchester United and Real Madrid.
    language: en-US

How to Choose Between Lionel Andrés Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
type: HowTo
description: Messi edges Ronaldo in overall career achievements with 8 Ballon d'Or awards versus Ronaldo's 5, superior playmaking (192 career assists vs 140), and a FIFA World Cup victory in 2022. Ronaldo leads in international goals (140 vs 129) and maintained higher athleticism into his late 30s, though both are considered among football's greatest players.
language: en-US
total time: PT3M
step: Consider: Ballon d'Or Awards
step: Consider: FIFA World Cup Titles
step: Consider: International Goals Scored
step: Consider: Career Assists
step: Consider: Peak Physical Athleticism Window
step: Consider: La Liga Titles Won
step: Consider: Premier League Goals (Career)
tool: A Versus B Comparison Guide
tip: HowToTip
  text: Messi wins the historical legacy argument with 8 Ballon d'Or awards, a World Cup championship, superior playmaking, and dominance in La Liga. Ronaldo wins the international scoring race and demonstrated longevity at elite level into his late 30s. Choose Messi if prioritizing overall trophies and creative brilliance; choose Ronaldo if valuing goal-scoring consistency and athletic durability across multiple leagues.

Consider: Ballon d'Or Awards
type: HowToStep
position: 1
text: Ballon d'Or Awards: Lionel Andrés Messi has 8 awards, while Cristiano Ronaldo has 5 awards.

Consider: FIFA World Cup Titles
type: HowToStep
position: 2
text: FIFA World Cup Titles: Lionel Andrés Messi has 1 (2022), while Cristiano Ronaldo has 0.

Consider: International Goals Scored
type: HowToStep
position: 3
text: International Goals Scored: Lionel Andrés Messi has 129 goals, while Cristiano Ronaldo has 140 goals.

Consider: Career Assists
type: HowToStep
position: 4
text: Career Assists: Lionel Andrés Messi has 192 assists, while Cristiano Ronaldo has 140 assists.

Consider: Peak Physical Athleticism Window
type: HowToStep
position: 5
text: Peak Physical Athleticism Window: Lionel Andrés Messi has Age 24-29 (5 years elite), while Cristiano Ronaldo has Age 24-35 (11 years elite).

Consider: La Liga Titles Won
type: HowToStep
position: 6
text: La Liga Titles Won: Lionel Andrés Messi has 10 titles, while Cristiano Ronaldo has 2 titles.

Consider: Premier League Goals (Career)
type: HowToStep
position: 7
text: Premier League Goals (Career): Lionel Andrés Messi has 0 goals, while Cristiano Ronaldo has 118 goals.

Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo
type: SportsEvent
description: Messi edges Ronaldo in overall career achievements with 8 Ballon d'Or awards versus Ronaldo's 5, superior playmaking (192 career assists vs 140), and a FIFA World Cup victory in 2022. Ronaldo leads in international goals (140 vs 129) and maintained higher athleticism into his late 30s, though both are considered among football's greatest players.
language: en-US
start date: 2026-07-06T05:42:47.690Z
competitor: Lionel Andrés Messi
  type: Person
  description: Argentine forward with record 8 Ballon d'Or awards and 2022 FIFA World Cup champion.
competitor: Cristiano Ronaldo
  type: Person
  description: Portuguese forward with 140 international goals and exceptional longevity across five major leagues.
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 Cristiano Ronaldo
review body: Messi edges Ronaldo in overall career achievements with 8 Ballon d'Or awards versus Ronaldo's 5, superior playmaking (192 career assists vs 140), and a FIFA World Cup victory in 2022. Ronaldo leads in international goals (140 vs 129) and maintained higher athleticism into his late 30s, though both are considered among football's greatest players.
review rating: Rating
  rating: 5
  worst rating: 1
  best rating: 5
  alternate name: Verified Comparison
author: A Versus B
item reviewed: Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo

Peak Career Performance Period
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 2008-2024 (16 years)

Champions League Different Opponents Scored Against
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 38

EA FC 26 Finishing Rating
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 90

EA FC 26 Positioning Rating
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 88

EA FC 26 Dribbling Rating
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 81

Weight
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 79

Market Value (2026)
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: Not specified

Sprint Speed Rating (FIFA/EA Sports)
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 85

Current Market Value (2026)
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: €60M (estimated)

Real Madrid First 90 Games Comparison
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: Benchmark baseline (established standard)

Champions League Titles
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 5

International Goals Scored
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 141 goals

Total Career Club Goals
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 850+ goals

Peak Dribble Success Rate
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 51%

Leagues Won at Elite Level
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 4 leagues

Career Length at Elite Performance
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 22 years (2002-2024)

International Appearances
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 200+ matches

Goals Per Game (Club Peak Period)
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 0.75 per match

Career Goals Total
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 890 goals

Goals Per Season (5-Year Average)
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 32 goals/season

Champions League Goals
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 140 goals

Career Span
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 22 years (2003-2025)

xG Overperformance Rate
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 10.5% above xG

Career Club Goals
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 895+

Vertical Jump Height
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 84

Peak Goals Per Season Average
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 51 (2013-14)

La Liga Championships
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 2

FIFA World Cup Wins
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 0

SpeakableSpecification
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css selector: #verdict
css selector: #key-differences
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Lionel Andrés Messi — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

Cristiano Ronaldo — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

Compare Lionel Andrés Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo
type: Action
additional type: CompareAction
target: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/messi-vs-ronaldo)
object: Lionel Andrés Messi
object: Cristiano Ronaldo

International Goals Scored
type: PropertyValue
value reference: International Performance

Total Career Club Goals
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Scoring

Peak Dribble Success Rate
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Technical Skills

Leagues Won at Elite Level
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Team Achievements

Career Length at Elite Performance
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Longevity

International Appearances
type: PropertyValue
value reference: International Performance

Goals Per Game (Club Peak Period)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Efficiency

Career Goals Total
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Legacy

Goals Per Season (5-Year Average)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Performance

Champions League Goals
type: PropertyValue
value reference: European Competition

Career Span
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Longevity

xG Overperformance Rate
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Efficiency

Career Club Goals
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Goal Scoring

Vertical Jump Height
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Athleticism

Peak Goals Per Season Average
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Goal Scoring

La Liga Championships
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Club Trophies

FIFA World Cup Wins
type: PropertyValue
value reference: International Trophies