13 reasons why Lionel Messi is better than Ronaldo

There are more than 13 reasons why Lionel Messi is better than Cristiano Ronaldo. This never-ending argument saw the players rated for Ballon d’Or awards and international trophies. Their rivalry began when both played in La Liga for the world’s two biggest clubs. It was Messi vs. Ronaldo, Barcelona vs. Real Madrid. El Clásico captivated the world. For years, they entertained as they conquered European and Spanish football. 

Despite the tabloid media and fanboy noise, football is not about individual awards, Football is a team sport. The biggest prizes are the FIFA Men’s World Cup, followed by European and South American continental tournaments. Winning either the UEFA European Championship (Euros) or Copa América defines legacies when added to a World Cup triumph. Messi’s international success ended any debate about Ronaldo being better. 

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Ronaldo got the jump on Messi when he was part of the victorious Portugal team that won Euro 2016 in France. It was Ronaldo’s first international trophy. For years, Ronaldo’s European success - and Messi’s national drought - drove the argument in the former Madrid striker’s favour. 

Ronaldo’s supporters glossed over Messi’s club and individual achievements because he had not led Argentina to tournament success. But since 2021, Messi led his country to two Copa América titles and a historic World Cup triumph. His achievements eclipse Ronaldo, who is a shadow of himself. SportsBoom has chosen our greatest footballer of all time (GOAT). These are 13 reasons why Messi is better than Ronaldo. 

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GOAT Legacy: Messi versus Ronaldo

Nothing ignites controversy like the ‘greatest of all time’ (GOAT) debates in sports. Football is no different. The vitriol surrounding the discourse on Messi and Ronaldo has taken fandom to toxic levels. Football supporters no longer support a club or country; they support the players. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have made known their mutual respect and admiration for each other’s achievements.

The two ‘GOATs’ have entertained throughout their glittering careers. However, Messi continues to dazzle while Ronaldo fades away. In the last few years, Messi starred as Argentina won the 2021 and 2024 Copa América and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Ronaldo has one UEFA European Championship title, but his performances in the last two Euros and World Cups have been dire. 

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1. FIFA Men’s World Cup Winner

Messi won the elusive World Cup, single-handedly dragging Argentina to glory in Qatar in 2022. Heartbreak and disappointment had been the theme for Messi as La Albiceleste lost in the 2018 Round of 16, the quarterfinals in 2006 and 2010, and the 2014 final. Ronaldo could only lead Portugal to one quarterfinal and a fourth-place finish in 2006. 

Messi won five ‘Player of the Match’ (POTM) awards in Qatar, the most ever. He was awarded ‘POTM’ in the group stage and every knockout round, including the final. He scored in every match except the last group game. He scored his penalties in the shootouts, including the final. Messi finished second-top scorer (7 goals, 3 assists). 

2. 2021 & 2024 CONMEBOL Copa América vs. UEFA EURO 2016

Although Ronaldo won his first international tournament before Messi, the Argentina playmaker lost three Copa América finals (2007, 2015, 2016), but not because of his play. Santa Fe’s finest footballer finally won the Copa in 2021. In 2024, he led La Albiceleste to a record 30th championship final, and a sixteenth South American Championship.

Portugal only won one EURO 2016 match in regulation time before beating France 1-0 after extra time in the final. Ronaldo was injured and left the field at 0-0 after 18 minutes. Portugal still managed to win despite not having their legendary talisman. Ronaldo was not the difference between winning and losing. 

Credits Image: Anish Morarji