Messi has won 8 Ballon d'Or awards compared to Ronaldo's 5, while Ronaldo leads in international goals (128 vs 106) and has played in more leagues across Europe. Both are considered among the greatest footballers ever, with different peak periods and playing styles defining their legacies.
Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Argentine forward known for dribbling, playmaking, and 8 Ballon d'Or awards.
Portuguese striker and five-time Ballon d'Or winner with 890+ career goals
Ballon d'Or Awards. International Goals. FIFA World Cup Wins. Total Career Goals (Club & Country). UEFA Champions League Titles. Playing Style. Peak Performance Years
Messi edges out overall due to his superior technical ability, ball control, playmaking, and historic World Cup triumph in 2022, which cemented his legacy. However, Ronaldo's athleticism, heading prowess, international goal record, and consistency across multiple top European clubs make him an equally compelling case for greatest ever. Choose Messi if you value technical mastery and team play; choose Ronaldo if you prioritize athleticism, heading ability, and international scoring dominance.
Lionel Andrés Messi: 805+ | Cristiano Ronaldo: 890
Lionel Andrés Messi: 8 awards | Cristiano Ronaldo: 5
Lionel Andrés Messi: 1 (2022) | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 300+ | Cristiano Ronaldo: 250
Lionel Andrés Messi: 32.5 | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 900+ | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 0.82 per game | Cristiano Ronaldo: 0.77
Lionel Andrés Messi: 37 | Cristiano Ronaldo: 39 years old (born 1985)
Lionel Andrés Messi: 2,600 million (social media followers) | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A (person) | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 21 years professional career (2004-2025) | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 15-20 years (2005-2020 prime years) | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: Career total $600,000,000 | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 8 Ballon d'Or awards | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 8 awards | Cristiano Ronaldo: 5 awards
Lionel Andrés Messi: 106 goals in 180 appearances | Cristiano Ronaldo: 128 goals
Lionel Andrés Messi: 1 title (2022) | Cristiano Ronaldo: 0 titles
Lionel Andrés Messi: 42 assists in 180 games | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 807 goals | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 106 goals | Cristiano Ronaldo: 141 in 206 apps
Lionel Andrés Messi: 1 goal, 3 assists (2022, age 35) | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 35 major trophies | Cristiano Ronaldo: 32
Lionel Andrés Messi: 21 years (2004-2025) | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 8 consecutive (2008-2015) | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: Playmaker-forward hybrid; creator of goals for teammates (336+ assists) | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 0.73 goals/game | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 2 titles (2021, 2024) | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Successful Dribbles Per Game (Peak Era 2010-2012)
Lionel Andrés Messi: 71% success rate | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 180 appearances | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 820+ goals | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 16 La Liga titles | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 73 goals (2011-12 season) | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 2 Copa América (2021, 2024) | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 807 goals | Cristiano Ronaldo: 890 goals
Lionel Andrés Messi: 192 assists | Cristiano Ronaldo: 140 assists
Lionel Andrés Messi: 13 years (2008-2021 peak) | Cristiano Ronaldo: 18 years (2007-2025 peak)
Lionel Andrés Messi: 10 titles | Cristiano Ronaldo: 2 titles
Lionel Andrés Messi: 823 | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 21 (2004-2025) | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 2 | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 805 goals | Cristiano Ronaldo: 890+ goals
Lionel Andrés Messi: 180 appearances | Cristiano Ronaldo: 200+ caps
Lionel Andrés Messi: 1 championship (2022) | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 92 goals (2012) | Cristiano Ronaldo: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 4 titles | Cristiano Ronaldo: 5
Lionel Andrés Messi: 820+ goals | Cristiano Ronaldo: 890+ goals
Lionel Andrés Messi: 58% (2011-2015) | Cristiano Ronaldo: 32% (2007-2015)
Lionel Andrés Messi: 88% | Cristiano Ronaldo: 85%
Lionel Andrés Messi: 23 years (2003-2026) | Cristiano Ronaldo: 23 years (2003-2026)
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 5
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 0
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 187cm
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 616 games
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 0.67 goals/game
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 0.21 assists/game
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 187 cm
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 541 combined
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 414 goals
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: ~90 assists
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 32
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: $50M
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 5 (targeting 6th in 2026)
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 2008-2024 (16 years)
Champions League Different Opponents Scored Against
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 38
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 90
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 88
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 81
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 79
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: Not specified
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 85
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: €60M (estimated)
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: Benchmark baseline (established standard)
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 141 goals
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 850+ goals
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 51%
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 4 leagues
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 22 years (2002-2024)
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 0.75 per match
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 32 goals/season
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 22 years (2003-2025)
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 10.5% above xG
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 895+
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 84
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 51 (2013-14)
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 2
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 890 goals
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 0.73
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 140
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 34.9
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 8 seasons
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 450+ goals
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 5 titles (2008, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018)
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 19 years (2003-2022)
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 0 World Cups
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 196 appearances
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 2.1
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 82.3%
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: ~50%
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 20+ years (2003-2026)
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 890
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 6 consecutive seasons (2011-2016)
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 15 titles
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 73 goals (2011-12)
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 0.71
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 1,258
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 890+ goals in 1,101 matches
Major Trophy Count (Club & International)
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 32 trophies
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 120+ assists
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 15 selections (2007-2019)
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 140 goals
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 6 clubs
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 0.89 goals/game
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 5 appearances (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022)
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 10 (2008-2018)
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Cristiano Ronaldo: 0.68
How to choose between Lionel Andrés Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
Compare Lionel Andrés Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo
Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo. Contains 122 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo.
Who is the GOAT between Messi and Ronaldo?
This depends on criteria: Messi wins on technical skill (8 Ballon d'Ors, dribbling mastery, 91% pass completion) and major trophy achievement (2022 World Cup). Ronaldo wins on athleticism, international goal-scoring (128 goals), and multi-league success. Most analysts (71% per ESPN poll) lean Messi post-2022 World Cup victory, but both are universally considered top 2-3 players ever.
Why does Ronaldo have more goals if Messi is considered better?
Ronaldo's goal advantage (890 vs 820) reflects his role as a pure striker and his physical attributes (heading, athleticism). Messi, playing deeper as a playmaker/winger, had more assists (300+) and won more trophies overall. Goals alone don't measure complete player value—Messi's 8 Ballon d'Ors recognize his all-around superiority in dribbling, playmaking, and efficiency.
How did the 2022 World Cup change the narrative?
Messi's 2022 FIFA World Cup victory in Qatar was decisive—it was the major trophy absent from his resume. This win shifted consensus in Messi's favor among 65% of football experts, as it proved his ability to elevate a team in the most prestigious tournament. Ronaldo's failure to win a World Cup (reached 2014 final only) remains his biggest career regret.
Who is better at different positions: striker vs winger?
Ronaldo is superior as a pure striker due to heading (55+ aerial wins per season), physicality, and finishing in the box. Messi is superior as a left winger/playmaker due to dribbling (58% success rate), vision, and creating chances for teammates. Their ideal formations highlight these: Ronaldo thrived in 4-3-3, Messi in 4-3-3 with roaming freedom.
What are their records in Champions League?
Ronaldo: 5 titles, 140 goals in 183 games (0.76 goals/game). Messi: 4 titles, 129 goals in 163 games (0.79 goals/game). Ronaldo won more titles and performed better after age 30; Messi's peak years (2008-2015) were more dominant. Ronaldo's consistency across Real Madrid, Manchester, and Juventus showcases adaptability; Messi dominated primarily with Barcelona.
How to Choose Between Lionel Andrés Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
Ballon d'Or Awards: Lionel Andrés Messi has 8 awards, while Cristiano Ronaldo has 5 awards.
International Goals: Lionel Andrés Messi has 106 goals, while Cristiano Ronaldo has 128 goals.
FIFA World Cup Wins: Lionel Andrés Messi has 1 (2022), while Cristiano Ronaldo has 0.
Consider: Total Career Goals (Club & Country)
Total Career Goals (Club & Country): Lionel Andrés Messi has 820+ goals, while Cristiano Ronaldo has 890+ goals.
UEFA Champions League Titles: Lionel Andrés Messi has 4 titles, while Cristiano Ronaldo has 5 titles.
Playing Style: Lionel Andrés Messi has Dribbler, playmaker, left-footed, while Cristiano Ronaldo has Athleticism, heading, right-footed.
Peak Performance Years: Lionel Andrés Messi has 2008-2015 (Barcelona era), while Cristiano Ronaldo has 2007-2018 (Real Madrid era).