Who is better, Messi or Ronaldo? This has been a question on the lips of millions for years now, and it is back on the agenda as the Argentina star prepares for his second World Cup semi-final.
Lionel Messi has the chance to add one trophy to his cabinet which has, so far, eluded him throughout his illustrious career if he can overcome Croatia in Qatar tonight, and go on to win the final against either France or Morocco.
In regards to Cristiano Ronaldo, the 37-year-old suffered defeat to Morocco with Portugal in the quarter-final, leaving the field tearfully in what was surely his final World Cup appearance.
So, who is better, Messi or Ronaldo? Let’s take a look…
Who is better Messi or Ronaldo?
Well, in terms of the ultimate individual prize – the Ballon d’Or – Messi has seven to his name, whereas Ronaldo has five.
Lionel Messi stats
Messi has remarkably scored 701 goals in 853 appearances at club level, while also providing 333 assists.
For Argentina, the 35-year-old has scored 95 goals in 170 appearances ahead of tonight’s clash with Croatia.
Cristiano Ronaldo stats
In Ronaldo’s case, the Portuguese sensation has netted 701 goals in 949 appearances, setting up a further 223.
On the international scene, Ronaldo has an astounding 118 goals in 196 outings for Portugal.
Who has won more Messi or Ronaldo?
Trophies are the ultimate objective in football, and between them, Messi and Ronaldo have enough silverware to fill an entire warehouse.
Let’s start with Ronaldo this time.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has won the Champions League on five occasions, along with three Premier League titles, two title wins in La Liga and the European Championship with Portugal, as far as major honours go.
In Messi’s case, the South American has lifted the Champions League on four occasions, while also winning La Liga ten times and reigning victorious in the Copa America.
You can see a list of their entire trophy cabinet at club level below, not including their incredible amount of individual awards.
Lionel Messi
La Liga (10)
Copa del Rey (7)
UEFA Champions League (4)
Supercopa de España (7)
UEFA Super Cup (3)
FIFA Club World Cup (3)
Ligue 1
Trophée des Champions
Copa America
CONMEBOL – UEFA Cup of Champions 2022
Olympic Gold Medal 2008
FIFA World Youth Championship 2005
Total trophies: 40
Cristiano Ronaldo
La Liga (2)
Copa del Rey (2)
Supercopa de España (2)
UEFA Champions League (5)
UEFA Super Cup (2)
FIFA Club World Cup (4)
Premier League (3)
FA Cup
League Cup (2)
FA Community Shield 2007
Serie A (2)
Coppa Italia
Supercoppa Italiana (2)
Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira 2002
UEFA European Championship 2016
UEFA Nations League 2018/19
Toulon Tournament 2003
Total trophies: 33
What team is Ronaldo on?
For those of you who are not sure, Ronaldo currently plays for the Portugal national team.
However, the 37-year-old is unemployed at club level, after Manchester United terminated his contract following an explosive interview with Piers Morgan, in which the Old Trafford icon said he had no respect for Erik ten Hag.
What team is Messi on?
Messi currently plays his football for Paris Saint-Germain after leaving Barcelona in 2021.
On the international scene, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner represents Argentina.
Who is the greatest of all time in football?
As phenomenal as Messi and Ronaldo are, neither have lifted the World Cup, which many deem to be essential if one is to be considered the greatest of all time in football.
As far as FIFA are concerned, Pele – whose real name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento – is the “greatest” in football after winning the World Cup on three occasions with Brazil.
However, if Messi can guide Argentina to glory in Qatar, many will consider the diminutive Argentine as the best ever.
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