6 November 2024 Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 908 career goals for club and country, while Lionel Messi is just one short of 850 career goals.

Messi or Ronaldo - Who is best? It is an impossible question to answer in the Football world. Football fans worldwide have been making subjective analyses for years over who is best. But it is never going to help solve this mystery, even though they both are legendary football players with very distinct personalities. Both are all-time leading scorers for their individual national teams. 

While some believe Lionel Messi is the world’s best player, you can never write off the Portuguese ‘One Man Army.’ Over the past decade, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have racked up the most individual awards, despite now being 39 years and 36 years, respectively. But the question remains: Which one in this fierce professional rivalry comes out on top and why? Who is better, Messi or Ronaldo? Or is it even viable comparing them? Let’s find out.

Messi vs Ronaldo Stats and Comparison of Goal, Trophies

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Ronaldo vs Messi: Early Struggle and Youth Career

As a kid born and raised in central Argentina, Messi was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency. After relocating to Spain and joining Barcelona at age 13, the club agreed to pay for his treatment. Since then, the kid has not looked back. From making his competitive debut at age 17 to winning his first Ballon d’Or and the FIFA Player of the Year Award at 22, the young Argentine was in the limelight at the very early stages of his career.

His counterpart, ‘Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro,’ was born in the islands of Madeira in a poor family where ends meet was their daily struggle. Ronaldo was diagnosed with a racing heart at the age of 15. After undergoing a successful operation, young Ronaldo joined Sporting CP to kick start his senior club career before joining Manchester United in 2003, aged 18. He helped the team win three consecutive Premier League titles before winning the Ballon d’Or and FIFA Player of the Year at the age of 23.

In the battle of Messi vs Ronaldo: To date, Messi has won the Ballon d'Or award a record 8 times while on the other hand, Cristiano Ronaldo has won 5 times. 

Ronaldo vs Messi: Style of Play

Messi and Ronaldo differ primarily in their style of play. The Argentine is a virtuoso, a magician with the ball at his feet. Short in stature, he has a low center of gravity, helping him switch lines and increase his pace. It usually is a nightmare for defenders as they cannot cope with the quick turn of speed. Along with this, his dribbling skills are among the best the game has ever seen. Another eye-catching attribute of his game is his passing and shooting.

The Portuguese, on the other hand, is a bit different. One would say he doesn't possess the same magic Messi does. However, Ronaldo is tall, strong, and athletic. With Ronaldo on the ground, the game becomes faster, stronger, physical, and more dynamic than ever. Ronaldo's combination of physical and technical attributes might give him an edge over in this Ronaldo vs Messi battle. Ronaldo is regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time.

Also read: Best Football Player in World

Ronaldo vs Messi: ‘Talent’ vs ’Hard work’

One of the main debatable topics while comparing these legends is Messi's 'Talent' vs Ronaldo's 'Hard work.' Ronaldo, a very skinny boy in his early days, has shown the world how hard work and determination lead to an amazing and unexpected transformation. In today's time, the Portuguese is one of the fittest footballers in the world.

Messi's physical attributes of being a direct runner, good in the air, and minimum time on the sidelines is something to envy. In his early days, the Argentine wasn't the best at taking free kicks. But, over the years, he has become the best free-kick taker and playmaker in the world. 

On the whole, there's no talent without hard work, and no hard work without talent. Uncompromised hard work, dedication, and talent make a player great, and that separates these giants from the rest of the footballing crowd and makes them one of the greatest footballers of all time.

Also read: Who is the god of football?

Conclusion: Who is better Messi or Ronaldo?

It isn't easy to conclude this Ronaldo vs Messi debate or comparison because there shouldn't be one. We should be blessed to live in an era where we can watch two of the greatest players ever to grace the pitch and go neck to neck against each other. Succeeding individually and with their respective teams while having supremely different styles of play is what makes them great. 

Both these players are a blessing to the individuals playing fantasy football leagues. Goals and assists for a striker are the bread and butter in terms of fantasy football points.

FAQ’s

Who is better, Messi Or Ronaldo?

Ronaldo has scored a record number of international goals and appearances, but Messi has won more Ballon d'Or awards (8). Messi has spent most of his playing career in Spain and France, while Ronaldo has played in Portugal, England, Spain, and Italy.

Who has more UCL, Ronaldo or Messi?

Ronaldo has won UCL 5 times (2007-08, 2013-14, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18), while Messi has won 4 UCL titles (2005-06, 2008-09, 2010-11 and 2014-15). 

Who is No 1 Messi or Ronaldo?

Messi has won more titles, majorly with Barcelona, than Ronaldo. Messi played for arguably the best Barcelona side to ever play the game. At the same time, Ronaldo took his talent and skills to Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus to achieve success and win trophies.

Who is the Goat Of Football?

Deciding the GOAT of football is a matter of continuous debate, but in recent years, the argument has narrowed to one of two players: Ronaldo or Messi. Every football expert or fan has their own opinion on whether Messi or Ronaldo should be the GOAT of football.