Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are two of the greatest footballers of all time. Both players have achieved incredible feats on the field and have consistently been at the top of their game for over a decade. Their talent, skills, and determination have earned them numerous awards, records, and accolades. However, there has always been a debate among fans and experts about who is the better player. In this article, we will compare the stats of Messi and Ronaldo to see how they fare against each other in their battle for greatness.
Goals
When it comes to goals, both Messi and Ronaldo have scored an incredible number of goals throughout their careers. Messi has scored 672 goals in 828 appearances, while Ronaldo has scored 760 goals in 1,034 appearances. Ronaldo has scored more goals overall, but Messi has a better goals-per-game ratio of 0.81 compared to Ronaldo’s 0.73. Messi has also scored more hat-tricks than Ronaldo, with 48 compared to Ronaldo’s 46. However, Ronaldo has scored more goals in the UEFA Champions League, with 135 compared to Messi’s 120.
Assists
While both players are known for their scoring abilities, they are also great at creating opportunities for their teammates. Messi has recorded 290 assists in his career, while Ronaldo has recorded 224. Messi also has a better assists-per-game ratio of 0.35 compared to Ronaldo’s 0.22.
Trophies
Both Messi and Ronaldo have won numerous trophies throughout their careers. Messi has won 35 trophies with Barcelona, including 10 La Liga titles, 7 Copa del Rey titles, and 4 UEFA Champions League titles. Ronaldo has won 31 trophies with various clubs, including 5 UEFA Champions League titles, 3 Premier League titles, and 2 La Liga titles. However, Ronaldo has also won the UEFA European Championship and the UEFA Nations League with Portugal, while Messi has yet to win a major international trophy with Argentina.
Individual Awards
Messi and Ronaldo have both won numerous individual awards throughout their careers. Messi has won 7 Ballon d’Or awards, while Ronaldo has won 5. Messi has also won the FIFA World Player of the Year award, the UEFA Best Player in Europe award, and the Golden Foot award. Ronaldo has won the FIFA World Player of the Year award, the UEFA Best Player in Europe award, and the Golden Foot award as well. However, Ronaldo has won more UEFA Champions League Player of the Year awards, with 4 compared to Messi’s 3.
Conclusion
Overall, both Messi and Ronaldo have incredible stats and achievements on the field. While Ronaldo has scored more goals and won more trophies overall, Messi has a better goals-per-game ratio and assists-per-game ratio. Messi also has more Ballon d’Or awards and has won more titles with his club. However, Ronaldo has won major international trophies with Portugal. In the end, it’s up to each individual to decide who they believe is the better player, but it’s clear that both Messi and Ronaldo are among the greatest footballers of all time.
