Messi vs Ronaldo
type: Article
description: 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.
language: en-US
date published: 2026-07-07T18:40:46.315Z
date created: 2026-07-07T18:40:46.315Z
date modified: 2026-07-07T18:40:46.368Z
content reference time: 2026-07-07T18:40:46.368Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
about: Lionel Messi
about: Cristiano Ronaldo
abstract: 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.
text: Ballon d'Or Awards. International Goals. Club Goals (Career). Assists (Career Club). Peak Age Range. Physical Athleticism & Longevity. Major Trophies Won
conclusion text: 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).
additional property: Ballon d'Or Awards
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 8 | Cristiano Ronaldo: 5
  value reference: Lionel Messi
additional property: Career Goals
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 807 | Cristiano Ronaldo: 890
  value reference: Cristiano Ronaldo
additional property: Career Assists
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 192 assists | Cristiano Ronaldo: 140+ assists
  value reference: Lionel Messi
additional property: Champions League Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 4 | Cristiano Ronaldo: 5
  value reference: Cristiano Ronaldo
additional property: World Cup Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 1 | Cristiano Ronaldo: 0
  value reference: Lionel Messi
additional property: Height
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 170 | Cristiano Ronaldo: 187cm
  value reference: Cristiano Ronaldo
additional property: International Goals
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 106 | Cristiano Ronaldo: 128 goals
  value reference: Cristiano Ronaldo
additional property: FIFA World Cup Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 1 (2022) | Cristiano Ronaldo: 0 titles
  value reference: Lionel Messi
additional property: Direct Free-Kicks Scored
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 71 | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
additional property: Goals for Single Club
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 643 (Barcelona) | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
additional property: Playing Career Span
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 34 (1992-2026) | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
additional property: Copa America Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 2 (2021, 2024) | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
additional property: International Goals Scored
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 97 goals | Cristiano Ronaldo: 141 goals
  value reference: Cristiano Ronaldo
additional property: Total Career Club Goals
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 672 goals | Cristiano Ronaldo: 850+ goals
  value reference: Cristiano Ronaldo
additional property: Peak Dribble Success Rate
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 67% | Cristiano Ronaldo: 51%
  value reference: Lionel Messi
additional property: Leagues Won at Elite Level
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 4 leagues | Cristiano Ronaldo: 4 leagues
additional property: Career Length at Elite Performance
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 19 years (2004-2023) | Cristiano Ronaldo: 22 years (2002-2024)
  value reference: Cristiano Ronaldo
additional property: Goals Per Game (Club Peak Period)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 0.73 per match | Cristiano Ronaldo: 0.75 per match
  value reference: Cristiano Ronaldo
additional property: UEFA Champions League Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 4 | Cristiano Ronaldo: 5 titles
  value reference: Cristiano Ronaldo
additional property: FIFA World Cup Achievements
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: Winner 2022 (7 goals) | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
additional property: Career Club Goals (Top 5 Leagues)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 672 goals | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
additional property: Peak Transfer Market Value
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: $150 million (2018) | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
additional property: Instagram Followers
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 88 million | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
additional property: Career Club Assists (Top 5 Leagues)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 192 assists | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
additional property: Career Club Goals
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 810+ | Cristiano Ronaldo: 895+
  value reference: Cristiano Ronaldo
additional property: Vertical Jump Height
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 61 | Cristiano Ronaldo: 84
  value reference: Cristiano Ronaldo
additional property: Peak Goals Per Season Average
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 56 (2011-12) | Cristiano Ronaldo: 51 (2013-14)
  value reference: Lionel Messi
additional property: La Liga Championships
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 10 | Cristiano Ronaldo: 2
  value reference: Lionel Messi
additional property: FIFA World Cup Wins
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 1 (2022) | Cristiano Ronaldo: 0
  value reference: Lionel Messi
additional property: Total Career Trophies
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 45 | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
additional property: World Cup Wins
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 1 (2022) | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
additional property: Peak Performance Duration
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 6 years (ages 24-30) | Cristiano Ronaldo: 19 years (2003-2022)
  value reference: Cristiano Ronaldo
additional property: 1986 World Cup Goal Contribution
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 6 goals + 1 assist in 2022 | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
additional property: Ballon d'Or Awards
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 8 awards | Cristiano Ronaldo: 5 awards
  value reference: Lionel Messi
additional property: International Goals (Career)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 129 goals | Cristiano Ronaldo: 128 goals
  value reference: Lionel Messi
additional property: Club Goals (Career)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 474+ goals | Cristiano Ronaldo: 450+ goals
  value reference: Lionel Messi
additional property: Champions League Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 4 titles | Cristiano Ronaldo: 5 titles (2008, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018)
  value reference: Cristiano Ronaldo
additional property: FIFA World Cup Victory
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 1 World Cup (2022) | Cristiano Ronaldo: 0 World Cups
  value reference: Lionel Messi
additional property: International Appearances
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 180 appearances | Cristiano Ronaldo: 196 appearances
  value reference: Cristiano Ronaldo
additional property: FIFA World Cups Won
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 1 (2022) | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
additional property: Dribbles Per Match
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 4.2 | Cristiano Ronaldo: 2.1
  value reference: Lionel Messi
additional property: Career Span
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 21 years (2004-2025) | Cristiano Ronaldo: 22 years (2003-2025)
  value reference: Cristiano Ronaldo
additional property: Current Age
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 39 | Cristiano Ronaldo: 39 years old (born 1985)
additional property: Peak Sprint Speed
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 28.4 | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
additional property: 2024-25 Season Goals
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 16 | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
additional property: 2024-25 Season Assists
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 10 | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
additional property: Career Goals-Per-Game Ratio
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 0.79 | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
additional property: Major Career Trophies
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 44 | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
additional property: Injury Absence Rate (2024-25)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Lionel Messi: 12% | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
interactivity type: active
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/entity/lionel-messi
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/lionel-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-landscape
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/messi-vs-ronaldo
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/cristiano-ronaldo-vs-zlatan-ibrahimovic)
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/messi-vs-ronaldo-landscape))
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
teaches: How to choose between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
genre: Sports

primaryImage
type: ImageObject
width: 1200
height: 630
caption: Messi vs Ronaldo — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B

A Versus B
type: Organization

Lionel Messi
type: Person
alternate name: LM
language: en-US
description: Argentine forward legendary for dribbling, vision, and consistency as a playmaker and goalscorer.
image: ImageObject
  caption: Lionel Messi
subject of: Messi vs Ronaldo
image: ImageObject
  caption: Lionel Messi

Cristiano Ronaldo
type: Person
alternate name: CR
language: en-US
description: Portuguese forward renowned for athleticism, heading, and 5 Ballon d'Or awards.
image: ImageObject
  caption: Cristiano Ronaldo
subject of: Messi vs Ronaldo
image: ImageObject
  caption: Cristiano Ronaldo

Messi vs Ronaldo — Structured Comparison Data
type: Dataset
description: Machine-readable comparison dataset for Messi vs Ronaldo. Contains 109 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
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: Structured FAQ pairs JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: AI Answer API (citation-ready)
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: Related comparisons JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
variable measured: Ballon d'Or Awards
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Awards
variable measured: Career Goals
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Offensive Production
variable measured: Career Assists
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Playmaking
variable measured: Champions League Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Trophies
variable measured: World Cup Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Trophies
variable measured: Height
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Physical Attributes
variable measured: International Goals
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Scoring Record
variable measured: FIFA World Cup Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Major Trophies
variable measured: Direct Free-Kicks Scored
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Specialty Skills
variable measured: Goals for Single Club
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Club Performance
variable measured: Playing Career Span
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Longevity
variable measured: Copa America Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Continental Honours
variable measured: International Goals Scored
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Scoring Record
variable measured: Total Career Club Goals
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Scoring
variable measured: Peak Dribble Success Rate
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Technical Skills
variable measured: Leagues Won at Elite Level
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Team Achievements
variable measured: Career Length at Elite Performance
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Longevity
variable measured: Goals Per Game (Club Peak Period)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Efficiency
variable measured: UEFA Champions League Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Club Honors
variable measured: FIFA World Cup Achievements
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: International Honors
variable measured: Career Club Goals (Top 5 Leagues)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Scoring Record
variable measured: Peak Transfer Market Value
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Commercial Value
variable measured: Instagram Followers
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Social Media Reach
variable measured: Career Club Assists (Top 5 Leagues)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Playmaking
variable measured: Career Club Goals
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Goal Scoring
variable measured: Vertical Jump Height
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Athleticism
variable measured: Peak Goals Per Season Average
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Goal Scoring
variable measured: La Liga Championships
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Club Trophies
variable measured: FIFA World Cup Wins
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: International Trophies
variable measured: Total Career Trophies
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Team Success
variable measured: World Cup Wins
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Tournament Success
variable measured: Peak Performance Duration
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Longevity
variable measured: 1986 World Cup Goal Contribution
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Tournament Impact
variable measured: Ballon d'Or Awards
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Individual Honors
variable measured: International Goals (Career)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Offensive Output
variable measured: Club Goals (Career)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Club Performance
variable measured: Champions League Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Club Trophies
variable measured: FIFA World Cup Victory
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Major Tournament Success
variable measured: International Appearances
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: International Career
variable measured: FIFA World Cups Won
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Team Honours
variable measured: Dribbles Per Match
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Technical Ability
variable measured: Career Span
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Longevity
variable measured: Current Age
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Career Stage
variable measured: Peak Sprint Speed
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Physical Profile
variable measured: 2024-25 Season Goals
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Performance Metrics
variable measured: 2024-25 Season Assists
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Performance Metrics
variable measured: Career Goals-Per-Game Ratio
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Historical Performance
variable measured: Major Career Trophies
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Achievement
variable measured: Injury Absence Rate (2024-25)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Availability
variable measured: Optimal Match Duration
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Physical Capacity
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: Total Career Goals
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Scoring
variable measured: Goals Per Game Ratio
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Efficiency
variable measured: Career Assists (Age 28)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Playmaking
variable measured: Career Goals Scored
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Offensive Statistics
variable measured: International Caps
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: International Performance
variable measured: Major Trophies Won
variable measured: Estimated Market Value (2024)
variable measured: World Cup Tournament Participations
variable measured: Peak Career Performance Period
variable measured: Champions League Different Opponents Scored Against
variable measured: EA FC 26 Finishing Rating
variable measured: EA FC 26 Positioning Rating
variable measured: EA FC 26 Dribbling Rating
variable measured: Weight
is based on: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/messi-vs-ronaldo))

Messi vs Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary
type: DefinedTermSet
language: en-US
description: Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Messi vs Ronaldo.
has defined term: Awards
has defined term: Offensive Production
has defined term: Playmaking
has defined term: Trophies
has defined term: Physical Attributes
has defined term: Scoring Record
has defined term: Major Trophies
has defined term: Specialty Skills
has defined term: Club Performance
has defined term: Longevity
has defined term: Continental Honours
has defined term: Scoring
has defined term: Technical Skills
has defined term: Team Achievements
has defined term: Efficiency
has defined term: Club Honors
has defined term: International Honors
has defined term: Commercial Value
has defined term: Social Media Reach
has defined term: Goal Scoring
has defined term: Athleticism
has defined term: Club Trophies
has defined term: International Trophies
has defined term: Team Success
has defined term: Tournament Success
has defined term: Tournament Impact
has defined term: Individual Honors
has defined term: Offensive Output
has defined term: Major Tournament Success
has defined term: International Career
has defined term: Team Honours
has defined term: Technical Ability
has defined term: Career Stage
has defined term: Physical Profile
has defined term: Performance Metrics
has defined term: Historical Performance
has defined term: Achievement
has defined term: Availability
has defined term: Physical Capacity
has defined term: Career Volume
has defined term: Total Contribution
has defined term: Offensive Statistics
has defined term: International Performance
has defined term: Achievements
has defined term: Commercial
has defined term: Experience
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: Performance
has defined term: European Competition
has defined term: Consistency
has defined term: Individual Honours
has defined term: Collective Achievement
has defined term: Precision
has defined term: Performance Sustainability
has defined term: Peak Performance
has defined term: Durability
has defined term: Individual Awards
has defined term: Continental Competition
has defined term: Career Mobility
has defined term: International Tournaments

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

Offensive Production
type: DefinedTerm
term code: offensive-production
in defined term set: Messi vs Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary

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

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

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

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

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

Specialty Skills
type: DefinedTerm
term code: specialty-skills
in defined term set: Messi vs Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary

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

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

Continental Honours
type: DefinedTerm
term code: continental-honours
in defined term set: Messi vs Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary

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

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

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

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

Club Honors
type: DefinedTerm
term code: club-honors
in defined term set: Messi vs Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary

International Honors
type: DefinedTerm
term code: international-honors
in defined term set: Messi vs Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Commercial Value
type: DefinedTerm
term code: commercial-value
in defined term set: Messi vs Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Social Media Reach
type: DefinedTerm
term code: social-media-reach
in defined term set: Messi vs Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary

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

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

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

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

Team Success
type: DefinedTerm
term code: team-success
in defined term set: Messi vs Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Tournament Success
type: DefinedTerm
term code: tournament-success
in defined term set: Messi vs Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Tournament Impact
type: DefinedTerm
term code: tournament-impact
in defined term set: Messi vs Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Individual Honors
type: DefinedTerm
term code: individual-honors
in defined term set: Messi vs Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary

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

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

International Career
type: DefinedTerm
term code: international-career
in defined term set: Messi vs Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Team Honours
type: DefinedTerm
term code: team-honours
in defined term set: Messi vs Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Technical Ability
type: DefinedTerm
term code: technical-ability
in defined term set: Messi vs Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary

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

Physical Profile
type: DefinedTerm
term code: physical-profile
in defined term set: Messi vs Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Performance Metrics
type: DefinedTerm
term code: performance-metrics
in defined term set: Messi vs Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Historical Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: historical-performance
in defined term set: Messi vs Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary

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

Availability
type: DefinedTerm
term code: availability
in defined term set: Messi vs Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Physical Capacity
type: DefinedTerm
term code: physical-capacity
in defined term set: Messi vs Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary

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

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

Offensive Statistics
type: DefinedTerm
term code: offensive-statistics
in defined term set: Messi vs Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Collective Achievement
type: DefinedTerm
term code: collective-achievement
in defined term set: Messi vs Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Precision
type: DefinedTerm
term code: precision
in defined term set: Messi vs Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Performance Sustainability
type: DefinedTerm
term code: performance-sustainability
in defined term set: Messi vs Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary

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

Durability
type: DefinedTerm
term code: durability
in defined term set: Messi vs Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Individual Awards
type: DefinedTerm
term code: individual-awards
in defined term set: Messi vs Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Continental Competition
type: DefinedTerm
term code: continental-competition
in defined term set: Messi vs Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Career Mobility
type: DefinedTerm
term code: career-mobility
in defined term set: Messi vs Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary

International Tournaments
type: DefinedTerm
term code: international-tournaments
in defined term set: Messi vs Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary

faq
type: FAQPage
language: en-US
is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
date modified: 2026-07-07T18:40:46.368Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
is part of: messi-vs-ronaldo))
main entity: Who is the better player overall?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: 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.
    language: en-US
main entity: Why didn't Ronaldo win a World Cup?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: 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.
    language: en-US
main entity: Who scored more goals?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: 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.
    language: en-US
main entity: Which player had a better peak?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: 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.
    language: en-US
main entity: Who is more complete as a footballer?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: 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.
    language: en-US

How to Choose Between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
type: HowTo
description: 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.
language: en-US
total time: PT3M
step: Consider: Ballon d'Or Awards
step: Consider: International Goals
step: Consider: Club Goals (Career)
step: Consider: Assists (Career Club)
step: Consider: Peak Age Range
step: Consider: Physical Athleticism & Longevity
step: Consider: Major Trophies Won
tool: A Versus B Comparison Guide
tip: HowToTip
  text: 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).

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

Consider: International Goals
type: HowToStep
position: 2
text: International Goals: Lionel Messi has 129 goals, while Cristiano Ronaldo has 128 goals.

Consider: Club Goals (Career)
type: HowToStep
position: 3
text: Club Goals (Career): Lionel Messi has 474 goals, while Cristiano Ronaldo has 450+ goals.

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

Consider: Peak Age Range
type: HowToStep
position: 5
text: Peak Age Range: Lionel Messi has 24-30 years old, while Cristiano Ronaldo has 27-34 years old.

Consider: Physical Athleticism & Longevity
type: HowToStep
position: 6
text: Physical Athleticism & Longevity: Lionel Messi has Declined after age 30, while Cristiano Ronaldo has Maintained performance until age 39.

Consider: Major Trophies Won
type: HowToStep
position: 7
text: 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).

Messi vs Ronaldo
type: SportsEvent
description: 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.
language: en-US
start date: 2026-07-07T18:40:46.368Z
competitor: Lionel Messi
  type: Person
  description: Argentine forward legendary for dribbling, vision, and consistency as a playmaker and goalscorer.
competitor: Cristiano Ronaldo
  type: Person
  description: Portuguese forward renowned for athleticism, heading, and 5 Ballon d'Or awards.
organizer: A Versus B
is accessible for free: true

claimreview
type: ClaimReview
is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
claim reviewed: Messi vs Ronaldo
review body: 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.
review rating: Rating
  rating: 5
  worst rating: 1
  best rating: 5
  alternate name: Verified Comparison
author: A Versus B
item reviewed: Messi vs Ronaldo

Optimal Match Duration
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: 68 | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A

Games Played
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 616 games

Goals Per Game
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 0.67 goals/game

Assists Per Game
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 0.21 assists/game

Player Height
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 187 cm

Career Combined Goals + Assists
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 541 combined

Total Career Goals
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 414 goals

Goals Per Game Ratio
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 0.77

Career Assists (Age 28)
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: ~90 assists

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

International Caps
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 200+ caps

Major Trophies Won
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 32

Estimated Market Value (2024)
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: $50M

World Cup Tournament Participations
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 5 (targeting 6th in 2026)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Career Goals-Per-Game
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 0.73

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

Maximum Recorded Speed
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 34.9

Elite League Seasons (40+ Goals)
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 8 seasons

Ballon d'Or Awards Won
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 5 awards

Career Goals Scored (All Competitions)
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 890 goals

Career Assists (All Competitions)
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 140 assists

Years Elite Performance Sustained
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 18 years (2007-2025 peak)

La Liga Titles Won
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 2 titles

Major Trophies
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 32

Pass Completion Rate
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 82.3%

Dribbling Success Rate
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: ~50%

Career Span at Elite Level
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 20+ years (2003-2026)

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

Peak Consistency Period
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 6 consecutive seasons (2011-2016)

League Titles Won
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 15 titles

Best Single Season Goals
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 73 goals (2011-12)

Dribbles per 90 Minutes
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 2.1

Goals per 90 Minutes
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 0.71

Career Match Appearances
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 1,258

Ballon d'Or Awards (Career Total)
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 5 awards

Career Goals (Club & International)
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 890+ goals in 1,101 matches

Major Trophy Count (Club & International)
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 32 trophies

Career Assists (Estimated)
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 120+ assists

FIFA World Team of the Year Selections
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 15 selections (2007-2019)

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

Major Clubs Played For
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 6 clubs

Goals Per Game (Career Average)
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 0.89 goals/game

FIFA World Cup Appearances
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 5 appearances (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022)

Career Goals (Club & Country)
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 890+ goals

Peak Dribbling Success Rate
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 32% (2007-2015)

Career Pass Completion Rate
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 85%

Professional Career Span
type: PropertyValue
value: Lionel Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 23 years (2003-2026)

SpeakableSpecification
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css selector: #verdict
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Lionel Messi — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

Cristiano Ronaldo — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

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

Major Trophies Won
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Achievements

Estimated Market Value (2024)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Commercial

World Cup Tournament Participations
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Experience

Peak Career Performance Period
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Career Timeline

Champions League Different Opponents Scored Against
type: PropertyValue
value reference: European Club Competition

EA FC 26 Finishing Rating
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Video Game Performance Rating

EA FC 26 Positioning Rating
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Video Game Performance Rating

EA FC 26 Dribbling Rating
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Video Game Performance Rating

Weight
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Physical Attributes

Market Value (2026)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Financial

Sprint Speed Rating (FIFA/EA Sports)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Athletic Performance

Current Market Value (2026)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Financial Value

Real Madrid First 90 Games Comparison
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Club Performance

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

xG Overperformance Rate
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Efficiency

Career Total Goals
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Offensive Output

Career Goals-Per-Game
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Efficiency

Champions League Goals
type: PropertyValue
value reference: European Competition

Maximum Recorded Speed
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Physical Attributes

Elite League Seasons (40+ Goals)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Consistency

Ballon d'Or Awards Won
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Individual Honours

Career Goals Scored (All Competitions)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Offensive Output

Career Assists (All Competitions)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Playmaking

Years Elite Performance Sustained
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Longevity

La Liga Titles Won
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Club Trophies

Major Trophies
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Collective Achievement

Pass Completion Rate
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Precision

Dribbling Success Rate
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Technical Skills

Career Span at Elite Level
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Longevity

Career Goals Total
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Scoring

Peak Consistency Period
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Performance Sustainability

League Titles Won
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Team Success

Best Single Season Goals
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Peak Performance

Dribbles per 90 Minutes
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Technical Ability

Goals per 90 Minutes
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Efficiency

Career Match Appearances
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Durability

Ballon d'Or Awards (Career Total)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Individual Awards

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

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

UEFA Champions League Goals
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Continental Competition

Major Clubs Played For
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Career Mobility

Goals Per Game (Career Average)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Efficiency

FIFA World Cup Appearances
type: PropertyValue
value reference: International Tournaments

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

Peak Dribbling Success Rate
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Technical Ability

Career Pass Completion Rate
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Technical Ability

Professional Career Span
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Longevity