Ronaldo vs. Messi: the rivalry, records, goals, statistics and awards
Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona’s Lionel Messi
The world’s two best footballers – Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo – both scored doubles at the weekend in La Liga.
Messi produced a “magical display”, says The Sun, when Barcelona thumped Girona 6-1 on Saturday. His moment of brilliance came after 36 minutes when he slotted a free-kick under the jumping Girona wall to make it 3-1 to the La Liga leaders.
Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde said: “When you think you have seen everything he goes and surprises you with a goal like that from the free-kick. He makes the difficult look easy.”
As well as his two goals against Girona, Messi also set up one for Luis Suarez, who netted a hat-trick. The 6-1 win meant that Barca have now set a La Liga record of 32 games unbeaten.
In Madrid, Messi’s biggest rival was also amongst the goals. Real Madrid beat Alaves 4-0 and Ronaldo picked up a double with goals after 44 and 61 minutes. He even turned down the chance of completing a hat-trick when he allowed Karim Benzema to take, and score, a penalty.
Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane praised his striker and said: “I’m very happy with Ronaldo’s gesture. This is a team game and it was a wonderful gesture.”
We take a look at Ronaldo and Messi’s incredible scoring feats and their career statistics.
Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Lionel Messi: the rivalry
Cristiano Ronaldo player profile
Age: 33 Clubs: Real Madrid (2009-present); Manchester United (2003-09); Sporting Lisbon (2002-03) Nationality: Portuguese Ballon d’Or wins: 5 (2017, 2016, 2014, 2013, 2008 – at Man Utd) The Best Fifa Men’s Player: 2 (2016 and 2017)
Lionel Messi player profile
Age: 30 Clubs: Barcelona (2004-present) Nationality: Argentine Ballon d’Or wins: 5 (2015, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009)Ronaldo vs. Messi: the statistics
According to the MessivsRonaldo.net website, here’s how the pair compare in terms of goals, hat-tricks and goal ratios as of 26 February:
All-time career (club and country, but excluding club friendlies)
Ronaldo: 636 goals and 204 assists in 895 appearances Messi: 598 goals and 246 assists in 745 appearances Hat-tricks: Ronaldo 49; Messi 44 Career goal ratio: Ronaldo 0.71; Messi 0.80
Club career (excluding friendlies)
Ronaldo: 557 goals and 177 assists in 748 club appearances Messi: 537 goals and 209 assists in 622 appearances Hat-tricks: Ronaldo 44; Messi 39 Club goal ratio: Ronaldo 0.74; Messi 0.86
International career (friendly and competitive matches)
Ronaldo: 79 goals and 27 assists in 147 appearances for Portugal Messi: 61 goals and 37 assists in 123 appearances for Argentina Hat-tricks: Ronaldo 5; Messi 5 International goal ratio: Ronaldo 0.54; Messi 0.50
Ronaldo vs. Messi in European football
Statistics according to Uefa.com:
Champions League goals: Ronaldo 116 (including 15 for Man Utd); Messi 98 Champions League hat-tricks: 7 each Both players have scored 60 all-time group stage goals Did you know? Ronaldo is the only player to score in three Uefa Champions League finalsRonaldo vs. Messi: trophies won
Ronaldo club honours
Premier League titles: 3 FA Cup: 1 English Football League Cup: 2 La Liga titles: 2 Copa del Rey: 2 Spanish Supercup: 2 Uefa Champions League: 4 Uefa Super Cup: 2 Fifa Club World Cup: 4
Ronaldo international honours
Uefa European Championship titles: 1 (2016)
Messi club honours
La Liga titles: 8 Copa del Rey: 5 Spanish Supercup: 6 Uefa Champions League: 4 Uefa Super Cup: 3 Fifa Club World Cup: 3
Messi international honours
Fifa U-20 World Cup: 1 (2005) Olympic Gold Medal: 1 (2008)Poll: Ronaldo or Messi – who is better?
In a poll on MessivsRonaldo.net, Messi is currently No. 1 according to the fans:
Ronaldo: 38% – 158,019 votes Messi: 62% – 254,644 votes