Messi has won more individual awards (8 Ballon d'Or vs Ronaldo's 5) and excels in playmaking and dribbling, while Ronaldo leads in international goals (128 vs 129 as of 2024, nearly tied) and headers, with superior athleticism and consistency across multiple leagues.
Messi vs Ronaldo — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Argentine forward legendary for dribbling, vision, and consistency as a playmaker and goalscorer.
Portuguese forward renowned for athleticism, heading, and 5 Ballon d'Or awards.
Ballon d'Or Awards. International Goals. Club Goals (Career). Assists (Career Club). Peak Age Range. Physical Athleticism & Longevity. Major Trophies Won
Choose Messi if you value technical brilliance, creativity, consistency at his peak, and individual accolades—he's widely regarded as the most naturally gifted footballer of his generation. Choose Ronaldo if you admire athletic longevity, international consistency across different eras, heading ability, and the rare achievement of succeeding in multiple league systems (Premier League, La Liga, Serie A).
Lionel Messi: 807 | Cristiano Ronaldo: 890
Lionel Messi: 192 assists | Cristiano Ronaldo: 140+ assists
Lionel Messi: 170 | Cristiano Ronaldo: 187cm
Lionel Messi: 106 | Cristiano Ronaldo: 128 goals
Lionel Messi: 1 (2022) | Cristiano Ronaldo: 0 titles
Lionel Messi: 71 | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Messi: 643 (Barcelona) | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Messi: 34 (1992-2026) | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Messi: 2 (2021, 2024) | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Messi: 97 goals | Cristiano Ronaldo: 141 goals
Lionel Messi: 672 goals | Cristiano Ronaldo: 850+ goals
Lionel Messi: 67% | Cristiano Ronaldo: 51%
Lionel Messi: 4 leagues | Cristiano Ronaldo: 4 leagues
Lionel Messi: 19 years (2004-2023) | Cristiano Ronaldo: 22 years (2002-2024)
Lionel Messi: 0.73 per match | Cristiano Ronaldo: 0.75 per match
Lionel Messi: 4 | Cristiano Ronaldo: 5 titles
Lionel Messi: Winner 2022 (7 goals) | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Messi: 672 goals | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Messi: $150 million (2018) | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Messi: 88 million | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Messi: 192 assists | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Messi: 810+ | Cristiano Ronaldo: 895+
Lionel Messi: 61 | Cristiano Ronaldo: 84
Lionel Messi: 56 (2011-12) | Cristiano Ronaldo: 51 (2013-14)
Lionel Messi: 1 (2022) | Cristiano Ronaldo: 0
Lionel Messi: 45 | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Messi: 1 (2022) | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Messi: 6 years (ages 24-30) | Cristiano Ronaldo: 19 years (2003-2022)
Lionel Messi: 6 goals + 1 assist in 2022 | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Messi: 8 awards | Cristiano Ronaldo: 5 awards
Lionel Messi: 129 goals | Cristiano Ronaldo: 128 goals
Lionel Messi: 474+ goals | Cristiano Ronaldo: 450+ goals
Lionel Messi: 4 titles | Cristiano Ronaldo: 5 titles (2008, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018)
Lionel Messi: 1 World Cup (2022) | Cristiano Ronaldo: 0 World Cups
Lionel Messi: 180 appearances | Cristiano Ronaldo: 196 appearances
Lionel Messi: 4.2 | Cristiano Ronaldo: 2.1
Lionel Messi: 21 years (2004-2025) | Cristiano Ronaldo: 22 years (2003-2025)
Lionel Messi: 39 | Cristiano Ronaldo: 39 years old (born 1985)
Lionel Messi: 28.4 | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Messi: 16 | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Messi: 10 | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Messi: 0.79 | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Messi: 44 | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Messi: 12% | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Messi: 68 | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 616 games
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 0.67 goals/game
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 0.21 assists/game
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 187 cm
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 541 combined
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 414 goals
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 0.77
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: ~90 assists
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 890+ goals
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 200+ caps
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 32
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: $50M
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 5 (targeting 6th in 2026)
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 2008-2024 (16 years)
Champions League Different Opponents Scored Against
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 38
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 90
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 88
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 81
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 79
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: Not specified
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 85
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: €60M (estimated)
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: Benchmark baseline (established standard)
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 32 goals/season
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 10.5% above xG
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 890 goals
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 0.73
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 140
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 34.9
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 8 seasons
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 5 awards
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 140 assists
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 18 years (2007-2025 peak)
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 2 titles
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 82.3%
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: ~50%
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 20+ years (2003-2026)
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 890
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 6 consecutive seasons (2011-2016)
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 15 titles
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 73 goals (2011-12)
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 2.1
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 0.71
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 1,258
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 890+ goals in 1,101 matches
Major Trophy Count (Club & International)
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 32 trophies
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 120+ assists
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 15 selections (2007-2019)
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 140 goals
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 6 clubs
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 0.89 goals/game
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 5 appearances (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022)
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 32% (2007-2015)
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 85%
Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 23 years (2003-2026)
How to choose between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
Compare Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo
Messi vs Ronaldo — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Messi vs Ronaldo. Contains 109 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Messi vs Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Messi vs Ronaldo.
This is subjective and depends on criteria. Messi dominated individual awards (8 Ballon d'Ors vs 5) and playmaking (192 vs 140 assists), while Ronaldo excelled in longevity (peak until age 39 vs 30), international consistency (196 caps, 128 goals), and multi-league success. Most analysts consider Messi the more naturally talented, while Ronaldo is considered more dedicated and consistent across a longer timespan.
Ronaldo reached 3 FIFA World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014) but Portugal never advanced past the quarterfinals during his appearances. He played in Euro 2016 (won) and Euro 2012/2020, but didn't reach a World Cup final. Messi's Argentina made 2 World Cup finals (2014 lost, 2022 won), giving Messi the opportunity Ronaldo never had.
Messi has 474+ career club goals vs Ronaldo's 450+ goals. In international football, Messi has 129 goals to Ronaldo's 128 goals. Both are among the highest scorers in football history, separated by margins of less than 5% in most categories.
Messi's peak (2009-2015) was slightly more dominant statistically, winning 5 Ballon d'Ors in 7 years with record assist numbers. Ronaldo's peak (2007-2014) was comparable in goal-scoring but less creative. However, Ronaldo maintained elite performance longer, staying world-class until age 38, while Messi's performance notably declined after age 30.
Messi excels at dribbling (better ball control and close-range finishing), playmaking (192 assists), and left-footed finishing. Ronaldo is superior at heading (estimated 140+ headed goals), physical strength, jumping ability, and versatility across multiple leagues and positions. Messi is technically more complete; Ronaldo is athletically and positionally more versatile.
How to Choose Between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
Ballon d'Or Awards: Lionel Messi has 8 awards, while Cristiano Ronaldo has 5 awards.
International Goals: Lionel Messi has 129 goals, while Cristiano Ronaldo has 128 goals.
Club Goals (Career): Lionel Messi has 474 goals, while Cristiano Ronaldo has 450+ goals.
Assists (Career Club): Lionel Messi has 192 assists, while Cristiano Ronaldo has 140+ assists.
Peak Age Range: Lionel Messi has 24-30 years old, while Cristiano Ronaldo has 27-34 years old.
Consider: Physical Athleticism & Longevity
Physical Athleticism & Longevity: Lionel Messi has Declined after age 30, while Cristiano Ronaldo has Maintained performance until age 39.
Major Trophies Won: Lionel Messi has 7 major titles (2 Copa America, 1 World Cup, 4 Champions League), while Cristiano Ronaldo has 5 major titles (3 Premier League, 2 Champions League).