Ronaldo vs Messi Stats: Who is the Greatest?
By
Blake Roberts
Founder & Editor in Chief Updated: 20 September 2023
Blake Roberts Founder & Editor in Chief
Blake Roberts is the founder of Betting.US and is currently heading the creative team as Editor in Chief. Born and raised in Morgantown, West Virginia, Blake is a great sports fan, with football and basketball being his favorite. He’s our trusted voice for all betting-related matters.
Ronaldo vs Messi Stats
- Ronaldo VS Messi Records
- Total Goals Scored by Both Messi And Ronaldo
- How Do Messi and Ronaldo Compare In International Games?
- Champions League Achievements
- World Cup Performances
- Trophies, Awards, and Honors
- Frequently Asked Questions
Ronaldo and Messi, two of the most iconic figures in soccer, have been neck-to-neck throughout their careers, each offering unique skills and contributing immensely to their respective teams.
Analyzing their stats brings out interesting comparisons and differences, and that’s what the purpose of this Ronaldo vs Messi stats blog is! We’ll be taking a deep dive into the stats of arguably the greatest soccer players of all time – so, without further ado, let’s get started!
Ronaldo vs Messi Records
When it comes to Ronaldo vs Messi records, it’s clear both have had incredible careers, achieving many remarkable feats in soccer. Ronaldo, currently playing for Al-Nassr FC, has scored more club goals than Messi, albeit having played two more seasons. Messi, now with Inter Miami CF, has a higher season average of goals and has provided more assists. In the Champions League, Ronaldo leads in goals scored, but Messi isn’t far behind.
Neither had won the World Cup until Messi led Argentina to victory in 2022, in what will almost certainly be his last World Cup appearance – and it was an emotional night for all who watched. Total goals scored by Messi and Ronaldo, a look at Messi vs Ronaldo assists – we’re going to cover it all in today’s blog, so let’s get to it.
Total Goals Scored by Messi and Ronaldo
Ronaldo and Messi’s goal-scoring abilities are, for many, un-human-like. Both players have netted over 690 club goals in their careers, and the two have often been said to be in an unofficial competition with one another to see who can score the most goals. In fact, the total goals scored by Messi and Ronaldo is just shy of 1,700!
Ronaldo, known for his speed and accuracy, has scored a remarkable 837 goals and provided 236 assists in 1,166 appearances, including club and international matches. This gives him an overall career goal ratio of 0.72. Remarkably, he’s scored 62 hat-tricks, testifying to his extraordinary goal-scoring ability. His skill at penalties is also noteworthy, with 152 successful shots.
Messi, on the other hand, boasts of a goal ratio of 0.78, slightly higher than Ronaldo’s, with 806 goals and a staggering 357 assists in 1,027 appearances. His ball control and ability to create scoring opportunities is reflected in his high assist count. Messi has 57 hat-tricks under his belt and has scored 108 penalties.
When focusing on their club careers, Ronaldo maintains a goal ratio of 0.74 with 715 goals, and Messi has a higher ratio of 0.83 with 704 goals. In international careers, Ronaldo outshines Messi slightly with 122 goals for Portugal in 198 appearances, while Messi has scored 102 goals for Argentina in 174 appearances.
When it comes to Messi vs Ronaldo goals, the Portuguese has more, but it should be noted that he has played two more seasons than Messi. Below, you’ll find a table with some interesting facts about the two players when compared against one another.
| Ronaldo | Messi |
|---|---|
| Total club goals: Over 695 | Total club goals: Over 692 |
| Highest season return: 61 (2014-15) | Highest season return: 73 (2011-12) |
| Seasons with 50+ goals: 6 | Seasons with 50+ goals: 5 |
| Average goals per season: 35 | Average goals per season: 37.9 |
| Seasons played: 20 | Seasons played: 18 |
How Do Messi and Ronaldo Compare in International Games?
In the world of international soccer, Messi and Ronaldo have repeatedly showcased their talents. Both have left historic marks on the game, each carving out a legacy in their respective countries of Argentina and Portugal. They’ve both inspired millions of players around the world, and the amount of good they’ve done for the game simply can’t be put into words.
Messi, Argentina’s captain, recently reached a staggering career 800-goal mark in a friendly against Panama, scoring his goal off a free-kick. As a result, Messi now boasts some 102 international goals in 174 games – a national record. In addition, he’s credited with 54 assists and 24 penalties in international matches.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo, Portugal’s hero, made history by breaking the men’s international appearance record during European Championship qualifying games. He scored twice against Liechtenstein and Luxembourg, taking his international tally to 122 goals in 198 appearances, also setting a men’s record. Ronaldo’s international record shows as having 18 successful penalties and 33 assists.
While you’re unlikely to see either player at the World Cup again, you’ll be pleased to know they are both still playing – and if you like betting, you may be wondering how you can bet on their next games. If so, check out our guide to live soccer betting online where we show you the best bookmakers, the best bets – and how to find the best odds!
Champions League Achievements
In the UEFA Champions League, a tournament almost as prestigious as the World Cup, Messi and Ronaldo have both awed spectators with their performances. Ronaldo’s goal tally in the competition stands at 140, and he’s scored 21 goals playing for Manchester United, 14 while at Juventus, and a massive 105 when playing for Real Madrid.
Messi trails with a total of 129 goals. Of these, a staggering 120 were scored while he was at Barcelona, with a further nine being scored while he was at PSG. Ronaldo’s total UEFA competition goals tally is 144 against Messi’s 132, placing Ronaldo slightly ahead in European soccer.
Ronaldo’s impressive goal-scoring ability is also underscored by his record of being the only player to score in three UEFA Champions League finals. His knack for finding the net in high-pressure situations is also clear, as he was first player to score in eleven successive Champions League games!
When looking at Messi vs Ronaldo assists in the Champions League, Ronaldo has been credited with having 40 assists in 183 appearances, while Messi has made 38, appearing in 169 games. While both players – of course – like to score themselves, they’re not afraid to play the ball to their teammates when they feel it’s the right thing to do.
World Cup Performances
World Cup tournaments have been another stage for these two superstars to compete – and show off their talents, of course. At Qatar 2022, Messi finally lifted the trophy for Argentina, fulfilling a lifelong dream – and it was an emotional moment for fans all around the world. He scored two decisive goals in the final against France and was crowned the tournament’s best player. Messi ended the tournament with seven goals and three assists, pushing his World Cup goals tally to 13, a national record.
Ronaldo, on the other hand, added another record to his name at Qatar 2022, becoming the first men’s player to score in five separate World Cup tournaments. Although Portugal only reached the quarter-finals, Ronaldo’s influence was unmistakable.
His World Cup career spans 22 matches, and during those matches he’s netted eight goals and provided two assists. His most memorable World Cup moment is arguably when he scored a hat-trick against Spain in 2018.
Trophies, Awards, and Honors
When it comes to trophies and awards, Ronaldo boasts five Champions League winners’ medals, with one from his time at Manchester United and four with Real Madrid. Messi, on the other hand, has four to his name, all won during his time playing for Barcelona.
When it comes to trophies, both Messi and Ronaldo boast impressive resumes. Messi’s success with Barcelona and PSG has seen him take home a staggering ten titles in the Spanish La Liga, seven Copa Del Rey trophies, and two French Ligue 1 titles. However, as mentioned earlier, his biggest career achievement is undoubtedly his 2022 World Cup performance where he led the Argentine team to victory.
Ronaldo’s trophy cabinet is also pretty well-stocked! He’s won three English Premier League titles, five Champions League trophies, and two from the La Liga – among others. On the international stage he led Portugal to victory in the 2016 UEFA European Championship, and he also holds the record for all-time leading scorer in men’s international soccer.
In the race for the Ballon d’Or, Ronaldo has clinched the award five times. He has also won the European Golden Shoe four times, reflecting his status as one of the world’s most lethal strikers. But Messi has won the Ballon d’Or seven times and has won the Golden Shoe five times.
