Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo: all-time goals, career stats and awards

Today, we’re diving into the fierce rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. We’ll compare their all-time goals, career stats, and the countless awards that adorn their trophy cabinets. 🏅

Lionel Andrés Messi

Lionel Andrés Messi, born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, is a football phenomenon. With exceptional dribbling skills and impeccable goal-scoring ability, Messi has won numerous accolades, including 7 Ballon d’Or titles. He has spent the majority of his career at Barcelona, where he became the club’s all-time leading scorer. Messi’s creativity, agility, and vision on the field make him one of the greatest players in football history.

• Clubs: Inter Miami (2023-present); Paris Saint-Germain (2021-2023); Barcelona (2004-2021)
• Ballon d’Or wins: 8 (2023, 2021, 2019, 2015, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009)
• The Best Fifa Men’s Player: 2 (2022, 2019)
• Champions League winners’ medals – 4: 2005-06, 2008-09, 2010-11, 2014-15 (all with Barcelona)
• Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award: 2 (2023; 2019 joint winner with Lewis Hamilton)
• Captained Argentina in their 2021 Copa America win
• Captained Argentina in their 2022 Fifa World Cup win
• 106 goals in 178 games for Argentina (both national records)

Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, born on February 5, 1985, in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, is a football legend. Known for his incredible athleticism and goal-scoring prowess, Ronaldo has won 5 Ballon d’Or awards. He has played for several top clubs, including Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, achieving numerous league titles and UEFA Champions League victories. Ronaldo’s exceptional physicality, versatility, and determination have established him as one of the greatest players to ever grace the game.

Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro

• Clubs: Al-Nassr (2023-present); Manchester United (2021-2022 and 2003-2009); Juventus (2018-2021); Real Madrid (2009-2018); Sporting Lisbon (2002-2003)
• Ballon d’Or wins: 5 wins (2017, 2016, 2014, 2013, 2008)
• The Best Fifa Men’s Player: 2 wins (2016 and 2017)
• Champions League winners’ medals – 5: 2007–08 with Man Utd; 2013–14, 2015–16, 2016–17 and 2017–18 with Real Madrid
• Captained Portugal in their Euro 2016 win
• All-time top goalscorer in men’s international football (127 goals)
• All-time record men’s international appearances (203)
• Top goalscorer in the Uefa Champions League (140 goals)
• First male player to score in five different Fifa World Cups

All-time career statistics

So, who is your pick? Team Messi or Team Ronaldo? Let the passionate debates continue!