The prominent Messi-Ronaldo rivalry has not been hidden from anyone. It has become the most popular Sporting rivalry ever in our history. Also, this rivalry is not just limited to the Argentine legend and Manchester United superstar as it has been propelled by fans and media. Both the contemporaries are extremely talented and their brilliance can not be questioned. They have spent a total of nine years of their prime career playing for the most successful rival clubs of La Liga, Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Ronaldo took a shift to other clubs while Messi stuck to Barcelona FC and spent most of his career playing for them before moving to Paris Saint-Germain in early 2022. Having mentioned the similarities they have, they also have won several achievements and milestones together in football such as becoming the two of best footballers of all time.
Coming to that, they are two of the most celebrated players ever and their duo has won the most combined trophies (76). They have broken several records continuously in a row. Both the legends are among the eight players to score more than 700 goals in their career.
Although Ronaldo is widely known as the greatest goal scorer of all time, he was left behind by Messi in the race of trophies. Lionel Messi has won a total of 42 trophies while Ronaldo has won 34 only. Yet, In terms of the most trophies Ronaldo is ranked second.
How did the contest start?
All of it began with the Ballon d’or award which is awarded to the player who gets the most votes for best player in the world. This award is given every year and Messi won this award before Ronaldo ignited a war for awards. Next year, Ronaldo won this award and made this competitive war more evident. Later, Messi won the Ballon d’or for three consecutive years and for twelve years, only these legends kept ruling.
Apart from this, Messi and Ronaldo have been competing for the FIFA World Cup trophy as well. They both have represented their teams in five separate World Cups since their debut in official football although Messi finally succeeded in lifting the World Cup trophy this time. Ronaldo and Messi have won every possible award they could win in football except for the World Cup but now Messi has this too, adding to his list of achievements.
Who has more Football awards, Messi or Ronaldo?
Evidently, former Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has more Football awards than Ronaldo. Messi has a total of 42 trophies while Ronaldo has only 32.
Messi’s 42 awards include La Liga titles, multiple Copa del Rey, Seven Ballon d’or awards, European Championship, UEFA Super Cup, European Golden shoe, etc. Ronaldo’s major achievements include Supercopa de Portugal, FA Cup, League Cup, Premier League, La Liga, etc.
Messi vs Ronaldo Ballon d’or
Messi, the Argentine, has won seven Ballon d’or awards in his entire career while Ronaldo has five Ballon d’or to his name. Messi has also won a total of six European Golden shoe while Ronaldo has won only four. Both the players have a difference of 4 when it comes to Copa del Rey Award. Messi has won six Copa del Rey while on the other hand Ronaldo has won just two Copa del Rey in his entire career.
Who has the most European boots?
The Argentine Legend Lionel Messi has won most (six) European Golden Boot in his career of two decades. Bayern Munich’s Gerd Muller was the first player to win the award twice while Messi became the first player to win it thrice and then four times, five and six times. Also, Messi is the only player to have won European Golden shoe in three consecutive seasons (2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19).
Who played more World Cups?
World is one of the major factors that affect the performance of Football players. Messi and Ronaldo’s performance in the World Cup is an important one to consider. Both the players have appeared in five consecutive World Cups : 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022.
Messi has scored a total of 10 goals in 24 games in World Cups in his entire career. He also has 5 assists out of which 2 were made in the 2022 World Cup. In contrast, Ronaldo has just one assist and only eight goals in 21 World Cup matches. Considering the World Cup performance, Messi seems to perform better in the World Cup than Ronaldo. All though the 2022 World Cup is his last World Cup.
Who has more Football records?
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are two most prominent names in modern football but only one of them could be the one to hold most Football records. That’s our United star Ronaldo. You heard me right!
Cristiano Ronaldo began his professional career in Portugal with Sporting Lisbon. And later played for Real Madrid, Juventus and Manchester United. The former Manchester United star has possession of a lot of records in football. That might even be more than Messi.
Ronaldo has scored a total of more than 800 goals in his entire career. He even beat Pele who set the record with 766 goals. This is not the end as Ronaldo also has the most International goals as compared to others and as of now his international goals tally counts 117 goals.
Before we make our way forward. Let’s make a comparison between the two Greatest legends in football on the basis of their achievements. Let’s see who takes up the seat for most records.
Does having more awards mean Messi is better than Ronaldo?
The Argentinian started playing for Argentina one year after his professional debut in 2004. Prior to his international debut, he scored his first remarkable goal in Argentina’s World Cup opening match against Saudi Arabia in 2006. While Ronaldo who started his professional career with Real Madrid in 2002, began his International career in 2003.
Prior to Messi’s first goal in Argentina’s World Cup opener. The PSG forward had scored 96 goals in a total of 171 appearances for Argentina. On the other hand, Ronaldo has scored 118 goals which is 22 more than Messi. That leading him to be the leading goal scorer of all time. The Portuguese legend has played 195 international games.
