Rivalry Renewed: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo Compete for Top Scorer in Football History

10/13/2023 6:39 p.m. Updated on 10/13/2023 6:41 p.m.

It was one of the greatest rivalries in the history of the elite of modern football worldwide. For almost ten years, Lionel Messi y Cristiano Ronaldo They starred in a sports fight that ended up being productive for both because it made the other help him raise his own bar. To always go for something more and not settle for what you have already achieved. And although today they are no longer the visible faces of Barcelona and Real Madrid, both, from their current clubs, fight for the same common goal: keep the throne as the top scorer in the history of this sport.

How far is Messi from being the top scorer in history?

In the race to reach that privileged mark, Cristiano is ahead. The Portuguese forward, today at Al Nassr FC in Saudi Arabia, has totaled 856 goals. He did them over 21 years of professional career in which he added 1187 parties. But Leo did not throw in the towel, far from it. Now at Inter Miami, he pursues it with 819 goals. Yeah, there is 37 difference. Of course, the Argentine has two fewer years of experience (he has been in the First Division for 19) and several fewer matches: he has accumulated 1043. Of course, even so, it has a better goal difference per game.

Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo: the most iconic rivalry in the history of football.

Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo, the top scorers in history

Leo’s advantage is that he is two years younger (36 versus 38) and, in theory, he could extend his career longer than his Cristiano. Although Portuguese is still valid. Because of how he started at Inter Miami, with 11 goals! Until now and seeks to shorten the distance with who knew how to have an endearing rivalry during those years in Real Madrid vs. Barcelona.

Of course, CR7 is not far behind and continues adding beans in the fight. This Friday, October 13, He scored a double in the Portugal team’s 3-2 victory over Slovakia in the Euro 2024 Qualifiers.

Christian, stainless. (Photo: Reuters)

VIDEO | Cristiano Ronaldo’s two goals against Slovakia

Cristiano Ronaldo – 13-10-2023

Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal against Slovakia

Cristiano Ronaldo – 13-10-2023

Cristiano Ronaldo’s second goal against Slovakia

RANKING | Top scorers in history

Cristiano Ronaldo: 856 goals in 1187 games playedLionel Messi: 819 in 1043 matchesJosef Bican: 805 in 530 matches Romario: 772 in 963 matchesPelé: 757 in 812 matches

Both of them have already left behind Josef Bican, who for many years led said ranking of top scorers. The former Czech center forward scored 805 goals between the 1930s and 1950s and from 1955, when he retired, until a few years ago, his record remained in force. Today, Only Cristiano and Messi have managed to surpass that legendary mark.

The rest of the table of the top scorers in history is completed Romarioin fourth place with 772 goals, and his compatriot Skinone of the greatest legends of the sport, who scored (according to FIFA) 757 goals.

Ferenc Puskas y Gerd Mülleralso make up the top 10 of those who scored the most times in their career, with 746 and 734 scores, respectively.

VIDEO | Messi’s last goal

Lionel Messi – 13-10-2023

Great goal from Messi from a free kick against Ecuador