There have been plenty of phenomenal football players in the history of the game, ranging from Pelé to Diego Armando Maradona and Zinedine Zidane. Still, most football fans consider either Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo to be the greatest of all time (GOAT). Each of these two superstars has a valid case for the honor, considering the number of trophies they’ve won and their goal-scoring prowess.
Messi and Ronaldo have both played in the La Liga, UEFA Champions League, World Cup, and various other high-profile competitions. Checking out how they performed will get us closer to answering the question: Messi or Ronaldo – who is the best player?
Messi previously played for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, while currently starring for MLS side Inter Miami. He won 10 La Liga titles, two Ligue 1 titles, and the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield. He has 7 domestic cups and 9 domestic super cups trophies. Here are his full stats in domestic competitions:
Ronaldo currently plays for Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr. His career also included stops for Sporting CP, Manchester United (two stints), Real Madrid, and Juventus. He won the Premier League three times, La Liga two times, and Serie A two times. His resume lists 13 national cups and super cups. His stats are:
These legendary players are closer than you think in terms of goal contributions and UCL trophies.
When comparing Messi vs Ronaldo stats in international competitions, the Portuguese star has more appearances and goals than his Argentine rival. Ronaldo scored 141 goals in 223 appearances, which are all-time records in both categories. Messi has scored 114 goals in 194 outings.
Messi is more successful on the international scene, winning the 2022 World Cup and two Copa America trophies. Ronaldo’s only major international trophy is the 2016 UEFA Euro.
Aside from goals, these two legendary competitors can also be ranked by individual honors, including the Best FIFA Men’s Player and Ballon d’Or. Punters can place wagers on future winners of these awards on popular FIFA betting sites.
Let’s check out this particular Messi vs Ronaldo head-to-head comparison below.
This award was established in 2016 and handed out by FIFA, football’s main governing body. The winners are determined based on votes by media representatives, head coaches of national teams, and national team captains.
The Ballon d’Or, established in 1956 by France Football magazine, is widely considered the most prestigious individual award in football. The winner is determined by a panel of international journalists.
When it comes to the Ballon d’Or, Messi’s impact is unmatched. He has won it 8 times (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, and 2023). Ronaldo received the award on five occasions, including 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017.
The European Golden Shoe is an annual award given to a player who scored the most goals in domestic league matches during the past season.
Our detailed infographic will give you a better overview of how Messi and Ronaldo’s numbers compare. It includes stats on free-kick goals, UCL performances, individual awards, fan following, and net worth. Keep in mind that the data takes into consideration their careers through 2022.
Both Messi and Ronaldo have passionate fanbases, which is one of the reasons why the debate about who’s better isn’t going away anytime soon.
According to Forbes magazine, Ronaldo was the highest-paid athlete in 2025. He earned $275 million, including $225 million from his contract with Al Nassr and $50 million from endorsements and businesses. Messi was fourth on the list, earning $60 million from his contract with Inter Miami and $75 million from other sources for a total of $135 million. The net worth of the two is unclear and varies depending on the sources. For example, Celebrity Net Worth has Ronaldo at $1 billion and Messi at $850 million.
Who is the better player – Messi or Ronaldo? Our article shows that it’s really close. Messi won the World Cup, unlike Ronaldo, and has more domestic titles and individual honors. But Ronaldo scored more goals, won more UCL trophies, and earned more money. But make no mistake – both are legends in their own right.
The football world will mourn their departures from the game, and we might never see two other players of the same calibre. So, enjoy Messi and Ronaldo’s skills while you still can and take advantage of betting VIP offers when placing wagers on them. Also, make sure to check out other guides and articles to master bets with BetZillion.
The article is engaging, especially for casual fans. Stats are helpful, but the content could be more balanced by highlighting Messi’s World Cup win and Ronaldo’s longevity. deeper analysis would improve it.
Both of them are very famous people and they are all good, but the technique is different, for me personally, Christiano Ronaldo is the best because he has the highest number of goals.
The Messi vs. Ronaldo debate is endless! Both are absolute legends, but Messi winning the World Cup gives him the edge. Still, Ronaldo’s records in the Champions League are unreal! Total GOAT showdown!
It's interesting to see how the stats of both teams compare, but the social media fanbase shouldn't be such an important factor.
Ronaldo and Messi are both amazing players, each with their own style. Ronaldo is powerful and athletic, while Messi is all about skill and creativity. Their rivalry has shaped football for years, giving us so many incredible moments. It's a debate fans love, and there's no clear winner!