Ronaldo vs Messi: the rivalry, records, goals, statistics and awards

WITH the FIFA Russia World Cup 2018 just 91 days away, today Chronicle Sport will look at the game’s two global icons, Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo.
The players will be among the world’s best in Russia, but all focus will be on their ability to win the one title in their careers that they are yet to boast about – the World Cup!
Cristiano Ronaldo has been described as being “from another galaxy” by Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane after the striker scored both goals in the 2-1 La Liga victory against Eibar on Saturday.

Ronaldo netted a brace to take his tally to 14 goals in the last eight La Liga matches, Marca reports. The Portuguese star has also now scored in seven consecutive games.
Quoted by ESPN, Zidane praised the striker for his match-winning performance. Zidane said: “He is from another galaxy. What he has is so positive – he knows he is going to score. He is a different player, special. His stats speak for themselves. We did not play at our best, but Cristiano knows what to do – with few chances he can score many goals.”
Ronaldo is now level with Barcelona star Lionel Messi on 33 goals in all competitions this season. But Real’s star has reached 33 goals in seven fewer matches than Messi. With at least 15 matches left the duo could both be on course for 50 goals this campaign.
In the league Messi currently leads the scoring charts with 24 goals – six ahead of Ronaldo who has 18. Marca says that it’s “clear to everyone watching” that Ronaldo is eyeing the ‘Pichichi award’ – La Liga’s top goalscorer gong.
We take a look at Ronaldo and Messi’s incredible scoring feats and their career statistics.

Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi: the rivalry

Cristiano Ronaldo player profile
Age: 33
Clubs: Real Madrid (2009-present); Manchester United (2003-09); Sporting Lisbon (2002-03)
Nationality: Portuguese
Ballon d’Or wins: 5 (2017, 2016, 2014, 2013, and 2008 – at Man United)
The Best FIFA Men’s Player: 2 (2016 and 2017)

Lionel Messi player profile
Age: 30
Clubs: Barcelona (2004-present)
Nationality: Argentine
Ballon d’Or wins: 5 (2015, 2012, 2011, 2010, and 2009)

Ronaldo vs. Messi: the statistics
According to the MessivsRonaldo.net website, here’s how the pair compare in terms of goals, hat-tricks and goal ratios as of March 12:
All-time career (club and country, but excluding club friendlies)
Ronaldo: 641 goals and 205 assists in 898 appearances
Messi: 600 goals and 246 assists in 747 appearances
Hat-tricks: Ronaldo 49; Messi 44
Career goal ratio: Ronaldo 0.71; Messi 0.80

Club career (excluding friendlies)
Ronaldo: 562 goals and 178 assists in 751 club appearances
Messi: 539 goals and 209 assists in 624 appearances
Hat-tricks: Ronaldo 44; Messi 39
Club goal ratio: Ronaldo 0.75; Messi 0.86

International career (friendly and competitive matches)
Ronaldo: 79 goals and 27 assists in 147 appearances for Portugal
Messi: 61 goals and 37 assists in 123 appearances for Argentina
Hat-tricks: Ronaldo 5; Messi 5
International goal ratio: Ronaldo 0.54; Messi 0.50

Ronaldo vs Messi in European football
Statistics according to uefa.com:
Champions League goals: Ronaldo 117 (including 15 for Man United); Messi 98
Champions League hat-tricks: 7 each
Both players have scored 60 all-time group stage goals
Did you know? Ronaldo is the only player to score in three UEFA Champions League finals

Ronaldo vs Messi: Trophies won
Ronaldo club honours
Premier League titles: 3
FA Cup: 1
English Football League Cup: 2
La Liga titles: 2
Copa del Rey: 2
Spanish Supercup: 2
UEFA Champions League: 4
UEFA Super Cup: 2
FIFA Club World Cup: 4

Ronaldo international honours
UEFA European Championship titles: 1 (2016)
Messi club honours
La Liga titles: 8
Copa del Rey: 5
Spanish Supercup: 6
UEFA Champions League: 4
UEFA Super Cup: 3
Fifa Club World Cup: 3
Messi international honours
FIFA U-20 World Cup: 1 (2005)
Olympic Gold Medal: 1 (2008)