Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi stand as two of the greatest players in the history of football. While their rivalries often take the spotlight in the mainstream media, the impact they’ve collectively had over the years is unparalleled. Together, they boast an impressive tally of 13 Ballon d’Or awards, solidifying their claim as the best in footballing history. Their captivating rivalry in La Liga was a spectacle to behold.
As both these prolific goal-scorers approach the twilight of their careers, they are set to face each other once more, possibly for the last time, as Al-Nassr prepares to clash with Inter Miami on February 1st at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh. Their last encounter occurred in February of the previous year when Saudi All-Stars faced PSG, and although the match was finely poised, PSG emerged victorious with goals from Messi and Mbappe.
All eyes will be on this upcoming battle as these two footballing gladiators, among the fiercest in history, prepare for one last dance. To set the stage, let’s delve into the statistics of these footballing giants:
Also Read: Top 10 Best Players in Saudi Pro League 2023-2024 Season
Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo Club Career:
| Key Section | Lionel Messi | Cristiano Ronaldo |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 867 | 999 |
| Goals | 715 | 745 |
| Assists | 308 | 214 |
| Mins/Goal | 99mins | 110mins |
| Mins/Goal Contribution | 69mins | 85mins |
Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo UEFA Champions League Career:
| Key Section | Lionel Messi | Cristiano Ronaldo |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 163 | 183 |
| Goals | 129 | 140 |
| Assists | 40 | 41 |
| Mins/Goal Contribution | 80mins | 88mins |
| Mins/Goal | 105mins | 114mins |
Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo International Career:
| Key Section | Lionel Messi | Cristiano Ronaldo |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 180 | 205 |
| Goals | 106 | 128 |
| Assists | 53 | 35 |
| Mins/Goals | 141 | 127 |
| Mins/Goal Contribution | 94 | 100 |
Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo Recent Form
Cristiano Ronaldo has been in stellar form since joining the Saudi Pro League. He currently leads the goal-scoring charts for Al-Nassr, positioned second in the league table. In his last five matches, CR7 has netted five goals and provided two assists in the Saudi Pro League, showcasing his prowess as a complete striker.
Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Pro League 2023-24: Current Stats after Game Week 8
On the other hand, Lionel Messi‘s post-FC Barcelona journey has seen him excel for the national team, contributing to winning the prestigious World Cup. Despite facing challenges during his stint at PSG, his move to Inter Miami has provided fresh air.
In recovering from a muscle injury that sidelined him for the final matches in Major League Soccer, Messi played a pivotal role in helping Inter Miami secure its first-ever trophy, the Leagues Cup championship. Messi scored three goals in his last five matches, representing his national side in World Cup Qualifiers or Friendlies.