Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Lionel Messi: Who is better?

Rob (Messi)

While many soccer fans agree both of these players are GOATs and have enjoyed watching them go at it for years, it’s clear that Messi outshines Ronaldo in almost every aspect. To begin with, Messi's exceptional accuracy, long passes, and playmaking set him far apart, not only from Ronaldo but also from everyone who’s ever played the sport. To back it up, he tops the assists list by a long shot.

While Ronaldo is arguably the better goal scorer, his contribution outside the penalty box is minimal, especially during the latter years of his career, when he focused mainly on the goalscoring aspect of his game. Messi also has more league goals than Ronaldo, albeit by a one-goal margin—with much fewer games played. 

If numbers don’t move you, then the eye test is a no-brainer. Messi's artistry on the field is simply breathtaking. He’s one of the greatest dribblers in football history, if not the very best. Ray Hudson best described it when he said, “He [Messi] could follow you into a revolving door and come out first!” 

While Ronaldo has always been faster and more skillful, especially during his early days, his flair has almost entirely vanished. Instead, he’s evolved into a lethal finisher, thrilling enough to take you off your seat, but not as magical. Off the pitch, Messi is seen to be more humble and likable. His modesty and down-to-earth nature have endeared him to fans around the globe.

Messi won the World Cup trophy. However, that was the final nail in the coffin, as it elevated him beyond every other player to play the beautiful game. Gary Lineker perfectly summarized the debate by saying, “Ronaldo does things that leave you saying ‘wow!’, while Messi leaves you wondering ‘How?!’ 

Luis (Ronaldo)

While Lionel Messi is a legendary soccer player, Cristiano Ronaldo is simply the greatest of all time. Examining his stats and numbers proves this, as the Portuguese star has more goals than Messi, both in clubs and on the national team. This is a major detail as goals represent the most critical aspect of this sport, and no one in history has scored more than the Al-Nassr forward, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Another reason why Cristiano is better than the Argentine legend Lionel Messi is that he comes from an underdeveloped soccer nation like Portugal. And even with this significant disadvantage, Cristiano managed to give his country the only two trophies in its history. This includes the Euro Cup, which many journalists and even former soccer legends have considered the most difficult trophy any national team can achieve. In fact, the Portuguese have scored more goals and more assists in the history of this tournament.

Moreover, Cristiano is the best player in the history of the UEFA Champions League, the most important and prestigious tournament for clubs. After all, no one has scored more goals and delivered more assists than the Portuguese superstar—not even Messi, who had the advantage of always playing alongside some of the greatest players of all time and in the same system. This is what some argue makes Cristiano better, as he has shown he can easily play in any system and is less dependent on his teammates' quality. Messi is a delightful player who will never be forgotten, but Cristiano is just the best of all.