13 reasons why Lionel Messi is better than Ronaldo
Greatest footballers of all time (GOAT) debates are never-ending. Lionel Messi versus Cristiano Ronaldo is a rivalry for the ages, but these are 13 reasons why Messi is better than Ronaldo.
![Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.sportsboom.com%2FGetty_Images_1666865698_d42b88d9d8.jpg&w=828&q=75)
Image Credit: Daniel Jayo/Getty Images
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.
![Lionel Messi - Barcelona vs. Manchester United](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.sportsboom.com%2FLionel_Messi_Barcelona_vs_Manchester_United_baed3fa41e.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Image Credits: Funny Dae
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.
![Messi leads Argentina against Mexico – 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.sportsboom.com%2FMessi_leads_Argentina_against_Mexico_2022_FIFA_Men_s_World_Cup_6602db2ac5.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Image Credits: Tasnim News Agency
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.
![Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.sportsboom.com%2FCristiano_Ronaldo_and_Lionel_Messi_7d599973a0.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Image Credits: Fanny Schertzer
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.
![Cristiano Ronaldo with his third Ballon d'Or.jpg](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.sportsboom.com%2FCristiano_Ronaldo_with_his_third_Ballon_d_Or_8ddfa1c5c7.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Credits Image: Anish Morarji
Messi vs. Ronaldo: Major Team Honours
Rank | Player | Nation | Club | Country | Total |
1 | Lionel Messi | Argentina | 38 | 6 | 44 |
2 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Portugal | 30 | 2 | 32 |
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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.
![Cristiano Ronaldo with his third Ballon d'Or.jpg](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.sportsboom.com%2FCristiano_Ronaldo_with_his_third_Ballon_d_Or_8ddfa1c5c7.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Credits Image: Anish Morarji
3. Ballon d’Or
Messi has won eight Ballon d’Or awards, the most ever by any player, and three more than Ronaldo (5).
4. FIFA Men’s World Cup ‘Golden Ball’
Messi is the only footballer voted the best player at two World Cups (2014 & 2022), winning the FIFA ‘Golden Ball’ in Brazil and Qatar. The Argentine scored seven goals. He finished second top-scorer in Qatar, behind Kylian Mbappe (8), earning the ‘Silver Boot’ Award. Ronaldo has no World Cup team or individual awards.
5. Most Trophies: Major Senior Honours
Messi has won more major trophies in club and international football than Ronaldo. Messi has 42 major senior honours, and Ronaldo has 32.
6. Most La Liga ‘Player of the Season’ Awards
Messi won nine La Liga ‘Player of the Season’ awards. Ronaldo won the award once.
7. Most La Liga Pichichi Awards
Messi top scored in La Liga eight times, Ronaldo three.
![Lionel Messi](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.sportsboom.com%2FLionel_Messi_7c83fbbc18.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Image Credits: Agencia de Noticias ANDES
8. Laureus World Sportsman of the Year
Messi is the only sportsman from a team sport to win the prestigious Laureus award. He won it twice in 2020 and 2023. Ronaldo has never won the award.
9. Olympic Gold Medal & FIFA u-20 Men’s World Cup Winner
Messi took time from Barcelona’s pre-season to play in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Argentina won gold. Messi was awarded the FIFA u-20 Men’s World Cup ‘Golden Ball’ and ‘Golden Boot’ (best player and top scorer) when the South Americans won the tournament in 2005. Ronaldo has no Olympic medals or junior championship trophies.
10. Most ‘European Golden Shoes’
Messi top scored throughout Europe’s national league matches in the top division six times to Ronaldo’s four.
11. Most FIFA Club World Cup ‘Golden Ball’ Awards
Messi won the FIFA Club World Cup ‘Golden Ball,’ in 2009 and 2011. Ronaldo won his only ‘Golden Ball’ in 2016.
12. CONMEBOL Copa América ‘Most Valuable Player’ Award
Messi has two Copa América ‘Best Player (MVP)’ awards (2015 & 2021). Ronaldo never won a UEFA European Championship ‘Best Player’ award.
13. Most ‘Player of the Match’ Awards at FIFA Men’s World Cup
Messi has been awarded the ‘POTM’ award 11 times at the Men’s World Cup. Messi has scored 11 goals across five tournaments, tied first with Miroslav Klose.
![Lionel Messi](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.sportsboom.com%2FLionel_Messi_7c83fbbc18.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Image Credits: Juano Tesone
FAQs
Lionel Messi is the highest scorer in La Liga history. Messi scored 474 goals in 520 matches.
![Kaylan Geekie](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.sportsboom.com%2FKaylan_Geekie_a0d635200f.png&w=384&q=75)
Kaylan Geekie is a sports fanatic. He attended Durban High School before moving to Scotland, where he lived for 15 years. During his time in the United Kingdom, Kaylan graduated with a first-class BA Honours Degree in Sports Journalism at the University of the West of Scotland. Kaylan worked for nine years as the Match-Day Editor of SuperXV.com, reporting on Super Rugby, The Rugby Championship, the 2015 Men's Rugby World Cup and the 2017 British & Irish Lions series for the website.