Messi vs Ronaldo: The Ultimate GOAT Showdown (Stats Included)

The debate over who is the greatest player of all time continues to be a hot topic of discussion on five-a-side pitches and in bars worldwide.

The debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as to who is the greatest of all time (GOAT) is one of the most significant discussions in football since the 'Diego Maradona or Pele?' argument.

The debate over who is superior, the Portuguese phenomenon or the Argentinean star, has been a hot topic among football enthusiasts for the last ten years and is likely to continue for years to come.

Club and international allegiances have the potential to influence one's perspective on the matter, while individual characteristics also contribute to the perception of a player's skill level. It is widely acknowledged that most individuals have a clear preference for whom they would choose.

So, who truly holds the title of the greatest of all time? Disregard personal preferences, as JISTGOAL has thoroughly examined the head-to-head comparison between these two individuals, providing you with concrete facts to equip you in the never-ending debate.

Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi: Club goals

Ronaldo has narrowly surpassed Messi in terms of club goals, although it is worth mentioning that the Al-Nassr star has had the advantage of playing two additional seasons compared to his Argentine rival.

Throughout their careers, both players have achieved an impressive feat by surpassing 700 club goals each. The period from 2009-10 to 2014-15 was especially remarkable for them as they continuously motivated and challenged one another, resulting in exceptional performances.

Although Ronaldo currently holds the record for the most goals overall, Messi has a slight advantage when it comes to scoring, boasting a higher season average of 37.9 compared to Ronaldo's 35. Messi's scoring prowess reached its peak in the 2011-12 season when he astonishingly netted 73 goals. However, his average declined following a disappointing debut season at PSG in 2021-22.

Ronaldo reached his highest season return of 61 goals in 2014-15, consistently surpassing the 50-goal mark every season for six years from 2010-11 to 2015-16. It is worth noting that Ronaldo's goal totals have slightly decreased in recent years, as he did not exceed 30 goals in the 2018-19 season with Juventus. On the other hand, Messi's goal-scoring performance has remained steady, although his rate slowed down after moving to PSG.

Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi: Club assists (Opta)

Messi's superiority over Ronaldo in terms of assists has become more evident as their roles on the field continue to evolve. Messi's ability to create goals in addition to scoring them is a key factor in determining the greatest of all time, with Ronaldo also contributing but falling short in comparison in this aspect.

Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi: Champions League stats

In the 2022-23 Champions League matches, Ronaldo has established himself as the top scorer of all time. He has showcased his brilliance in the competition, especially during his stints with Manchester United and Real Madrid.

Nonetheless, Messi is not too far behind and boasts a slightly superior goal-per-game ratio. This means that there is a strong possibility for him to surpass Ronaldo if he continues to shine in the tournament.

Furthermore, Ronaldo has also secured the record for the most appearances in the Champions League, surpassing Iker Casillas.

Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi: World Cup stats

In the realm of World Cups, neither team had claimed victory in the tournament until Argentina emerged triumphant in 2022, thanks to a series of exceptional displays from Messi.

Ronaldo, the renowned Portuguese star, had scored more goals and made fewer appearances leading up to the 2022 World Cup. However, Messi turned the tables in Qatar, guiding his country to the coveted trophy with an impressive tally of seven goals and three assists.

Throughout the competition, the Inter Miami ace found the back of the net in every stage, culminating in a remarkable brace in the final against France. He further solidified his stellar performances by converting a penalty kick in Argentina's victorious shootout against France (3-3 AET).

On the other hand, Ronaldo's furthest advancement with Portugal was their journey to the semi-finals in 2006, where they were defeated by France before ultimately losing the third-place play-off against Germany.

Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi: International stats

Ronaldo and Messi have comparable international records, with Ronaldo having higher numbers due to starting his senior Portugal career two years before Messi began with Argentina.

Ronaldo matched Ali Daei's record of 109 international goals during Euro 2020 and later exceeded it by scoring two goals against the Republic of Ireland, making him the leading international goalscorer in history.

While Messi lags far behind Ronaldo in this aspect, he remains Argentina's all-time leading goal-scorer, surpassing Gabriel Batistuta several years ago.

Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi: Titles

National Cups are the primary cup competitions held within a specific country, such as the FA Cup in England or the Copa del Rey in Spain.

When comparing the trophy hauls of Messi and Ronaldo, it is evident that they have achieved similar levels of success. However, Messi holds the advantage in terms of league titles, having won La Liga 10 times with Barcelona and Ligue 1 twice with PSG. On the other hand, Ronaldo has secured seven league titles, but what sets him apart is his ability to win the league in three different countries - England, Spain, and Italy. This accomplishment enhances his claim to being the greatest of all time in the eyes of some.

In terms of the Champions League, Ronaldo has the upper hand. His remarkable performances in the competition have earned him the nickname 'Mr Champions League'. Additionally, Ronaldo has enjoyed notable success on the international stage with Portugal, winning the European Championship and the UEFA Nations League.

Messi, on the other hand, faced significant disappointment with Argentina early in his international career. Despite four unsuccessful Copa America campaigns, three of which ended in final defeats, Messi finally lifted the Copa in 2021. He followed this triumph by winning the 2022 Finalissima and then the 2022 World Cup. Furthermore, Messi also possesses an Olympic gold medal.

Overall, both Messi and Ronaldo have left an indelible mark on the world of football, each showcasing their unique talents and achieving remarkable success in their respective careers.

Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi: Individual awards

The ongoing rivalry between Ronaldo and Messi has undeniably shaped the landscape of modern football for over a decade. In terms of individual accolades, Messi took the lead in the Ballon d'Or race by securing his sixth title in 2019. He further solidified his dominance in this realm by clinching his seventh in 2021 and eighth in 2023.

Additionally, Messi has an impressive collection of FIFA's prestigious 'The Best' awards, while Ronaldo has been honored as the UEFA Player of the Year on multiple occasions. However, Messi has garnered more league Player of the Year honors, showcasing his exceptional performance within domestic competitions. It is worth mentioning that Ronaldo has triumphed as the Player of the Year in England, Spain, and Italy.

When it comes to the European Golden Shoe, Messi has triumphed an astonishing six times, surpassing Ronaldo's record by two. Overall, Messi maintains a slight edge over his rival. Nevertheless, the fact that both players have been included in the FIFPro World XI a remarkable 14 times exemplifies the fiercely contested nature of their battle.

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