Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, two of the greatest footballers of this generation, have been dominating the sport for over 15 years. Their performances and achievements have sparked the never-ending debate of who is the greatest of all time (GOAT). Let’s take a closer look at their international careers and compare their stats.
Messi, who has made approximately 1,050 appearances for both club and country, has an impressive record of 813 goals and 395 assists. On the other hand, Ronaldo has played 1,167 games and has scored 837 goals with 268 assists. While Ronaldo has played 117 more games than Messi, he is also ahead in the goal record with 24 more goals. However, Messi has 127 more assists than Ronaldo, showcasing his playmaking abilities.
In terms of trophies, Messi has won 43 titles throughout his illustrious career, while Ronaldo has secured 34 trophies. Both players have achieved remarkable success, but Messi has a slight edge in terms of silverware.
Now, let’s delve into their international careers.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who made his international debut for Portugal at the age of 18, has played 199 games for his country. He has scored an astonishing 122 goals, surpassing Ali Daei’s record of 109 goals. Ronaldo has won the UEFA EURO Championship in 2016 and the UEFA Nations League in 2019 with Portugal. He was also part of the EURO 2004 squad that finished as runners-up. Ronaldo’s individual accolades include being named Footballer of the Year 14 times. Despite his success, Ronaldo’s dream of winning the World Cup remains unfulfilled. At 39 years old, he aimed to win the tournament in Qatar, potentially his last World Cup, but Portugal was eliminated by Morocco in the quarter-finals.
Lionel Messi, like Ronaldo, made his international debut at 18 years old for Argentina. He has played 175 games, scoring 103 goals and providing 56 assists. Messi’s international achievements include winning the Olympic gold medal in 2008/09 and the COPA America in 2021. However, his ultimate dream was to win the World Cup for his country. At the age of 35, Messi finally achieved this dream in 2022, leading Argentina to victory against a formidable opponent like France. He has also led Argentina to the final of the World Cup twice and the Copa America three times. Additionally, Messi won the U20 World Cup with the Argentina U-20 team in 2005.
Both Messi and Ronaldo have left an indelible mark on the world of football. Their incredible skills, records, and achievements have solidified their places among the greatest players of all time. The debate between Messi and Ronaldo will continue to ignite passionate discussions among football fans worldwide.
In other news, Tottenham’s Son Heung Min has dismissed rumors of a deal with Saudi Arabia, confirming his commitment to remain in the Premier League. Iceland’s captain made a cheeky remark about swapping shirts with Cristiano Ronaldo in his 200th cap, stating that he will “let it go.” Manchester United’s Antony has faced allegations of physical abuse from his ex-girlfriend, who expressed her distress by saying, “I wanted to die.”
Despite not winning any major international titles, what unique qualities does Lionel Messi possess that make him an influential player for Argentina and contribute to his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time
Established himself as Portugal’s all-time leading goal scorer and has been instrumental in the team’s success, including winning the UEFA Euro 2016 and the UEFA Nations League in 2019.
On the other hand, Lionel Messi’s international career with Argentina has been a mix of ups and downs. With 152 appearances, Messi has scored 79 goals. While he hasn’t won any major international titles with Argentina, he has reached the finals of the Copa America and the FIFA World Cup.
Analyzing their performances on the international stage, Ronaldo has an edge in terms of goals scored and major tournament victories. However, Messi’s impact on the game cannot be undermined. His exceptional dribbling skills, vision, and ability to create chances for his teammates have made him an influential player for Argentina.
Ultimately, the debate over who is the greatest of all time between Messi and Ronaldo will continue to be subjective. Both players have had extraordinary careers and have redefined the sport with their talent and dedication. Their rivalry has captivated football fans worldwide, and their performances will be remembered for generations to come.
Both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have had phenomenal careers and their stats speak for themselves. While Ronaldo has more international goals, Messi has achieved greater success with his national team. Ultimately, comparing the two is like splitting hairs – both are undoubtedly legends of the game.