The long lasting debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo fans about who is better respectively has stayed as a heated argument for over a decade. The two of them broke new records and took several awards home having given the game a different level. On the one hand followers and experts have repeatedly appraised their goal scoring chops, playmaking characteristics, international success and individual awards.
Messi is often commended for his dribbling, creativity and playmaking, while Ronaldo is recognized for his strength, last gasp goals and his captaincy. To argue about who is the best should be taken into account various factors such as personal preference, head to head statistics, and teamwork.
A vivid portrait of their careers has been presented and it is explained from time to time that they did it by means of their scoring, assisting, winning trophies, playing styles and their influence on football. To know who is without doubt the best player of all time, this exhaustive review will actually make educated decisions for you.
Who Is the Ultimate Finisher in Goal Scoring Abilities?
Between Messi and Ronaldo scoring is something that both players have done very well, with such astonishing numbers that those who came before them only played out their dreams of what they would be doing if they had been born some centuries later.
The last time I checked Cristiano Ronaldo was the leader with 920 goals in more than 1,260 matches. Being the most prolific striker in European football history, his scoring style be it headers, free kicks or long range shots sets it apart from that of others. He had an extremely prosperous year as he managed to score this many goals in the (2014-2015) season despite the different types of the competition they came from.
On the other hand, Lionel Messi has scored close to 850 goals in approximately 1,080 matches and hence, he follows Wilhelm Schmeisser as the second goal maker in global football history. His record year was achieved in (2011-2012) where he actually impressed by recording 73 goals within just one season. Unlike Ronaldo, Messi goals usually are the results of teamwork where long passing, followed by sudden sprint is performed or by intricate dribbling.
Although Ronaldo has the most goals in total, Messi has a better goal per game average, meaning he scores more often. They each have their own attitudes towards reaching the targets with Messi being responsible for some techniques, whereas Ronaldo uses much strength as well as they are equally good in front of the goal.
The Creative Genius vs. The Clinical Finisher
Even if both Messi and Ronaldo succeed in scoring, they are still taking moves beyond the net area to make the team better.
While football is known for goal scoring, besides “scoring goals”, they are the subset of the points both Messi and Ronaldo give to their teams.
Messi is one of the outstanding playmakers in the history of football. Being one of the world most successful playmakers with over 375 career assists, his ability is unbeatable and his passing accuracy is his key feature. His splendid vision, passing accuracy and dribbling abilities equip him to outsmart the defense and deliver precise passes. The best option for him is to play the position of “False Nine” or attacking midfielder because in this way, he will be able to wear both the hats of a goal scorer and a playmaker.
On the opposite side for Ronaldo, it is more obvious that he is a positively aimed forward. He has already registered more than 250 assists but his play is more finish oriented whereby he makes chances rather than creating them. His natural athleticism and right positioning always help him to spot away spaces where he can find goals as a clinical goal scorer rather than as a traditional playmaker.
When the creativity of both legends is compared, Messi tops the list because of his unprecedented artistry of disseminating the play, becoming a part of the attack, and providing his colleagues with the means to keep the opponent off balance. His good play in every tactical duty confirms that he is a complete player that is very promising for the future.
Who Has Performed Better for Their Country Between Messi and Ronaldo?
Messi and Ronaldo both have left historic footprints linked with their national teams, thereby, they collected a great number of trophies won in major international tournaments.
Cristiano Ronaldo is Portugal top goal scorer of all time with more than 130 national team goals scored in over 210 matches, which led them to winning the European Cup in 2016 and the 2019 UEFA Nations League-A UEFA Nations League in Portugal for the first time, etc. Through his courageous personality and ability to save the day on the field, Portugal has been moving steadily to the world’s top football team for years.
Lionel Messi has also made history with Argentina by playing over 110 national team matches scoring over 110 goals. After so many years of facing disappointment in the international finals, Messi in fact completed his mission of conquering the Copa America 2021 and finally acquitted himself to be a champion by winning the FIFA World Cup which took place in 2022 and making Argentina proud by giving a pitch perfect performance in Qatar.
Although both players have become the winners of international tournaments, Messi World Cup victory stands at the top of the list and it has provided him a slight edge in this category. In (2022), with his astonishing (7 goals) and (3 assists), he was seen overall as perhaps the best footballer ever.
Who Has Won More Awards Among Ronaldo and Messi?
The team has consistently overwhelmed the deciding in favor of the Ballon d’or which is basically the FIFA reality best footballer of the year. Both Messi and Ronaldo have held the crown of the top world football players for quite a long time.
1. Lionel Messi who won 8 Ballon d’Ors, the most ever is the best footballer that has at any point lived. In 2023 with his last success he had demonstrated that he had been the first of the two for no less than twenty years.
2. The 5 Ballon d’Ors he got make Cristiano Ronaldo the secondly most frequent title holder of this award.
Other than the Ballon d’Or, they have both been awarded the Golden Boot, FIFA Best Player trophies, and UEFA Player of the Year titles several times.
Despite being legends in their own right, Messi clear advantage regarding Ballon d’Ors and individual records puts him in a leadership position in this case.
Who Has the More Complete Game(Playing Style)?
The difference between Messi and Ronaldo extends beyond the numbers. Their playing styles are completely different, which is why the debate is more captivating.
1. Messi style is based on dribbling, agility, and playmaking. His untiring dancing around opponents, unrivaled control of the ball in close quarters, and the brilliance of his final passes represent his unique creative mind.
2. Ronaldo style involves power, speed, and finishing. His body type, height, and strength allow him to outmuscle his rivals in the air and score goals from any angle.
Being more of a link man in midfield, Messi is seen more often orchestrating plays and controlling the games tempo, while Ronaldo is the one operating in the final third, finishing chances and making runs. Messi is an all rounder in football, on the other hand, Ronaldo is a pure goal machine.
Who Is the GOAT?
The Messi vs. Ronaldo discussion will be ongoing and it will never be easy to decide, as they both made their marks on football.
1. If you are a fan of artistry, skillful dribbling, and playmaking, Messi is the more skilled player of the two.
2. If you are a supporter of physicality, goal scoring, and leadership, then Ronaldo is the right pick.
At last, Messi World Cup triumph, his winning of the Ballon d’Or award more times and his versatility in play make him one of the greatest picks for any argument. But on the other hand, Ronaldo unstoppable rate, record breaking goal scoring, and success in multiple leagues make him a soccer legend.
The right way to enjoy what both soccer players have to offer is to bow before them. They should not be forgotten. It is their rivalry that has not only lifted football to different heights but created a platform for beginners€™ burden to be lifted. Their legacy will be like that of heroes to those that are yet to come near.
