The two players have consistently gone head-to-head over the course of their careers
When it comes to football greatness, few names resonate like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Widely regarded as two of the best players in the sport’s history, both have enjoyed illustrious careers spanning over two decades, consistently showcasing their unmatched goal-scoring prowess.
Despite goal-scoring being one of the most difficult skills in football, Messi and Ronaldo have made it look effortless. Whether it's from free kicks, headers, or their weaker foot, they've repeatedly found ways to breach defenses and score in all kinds of situations.
During their time in Europe, the duo routinely scored over 30 goals per season, collected Golden Boots, and dominated individual awards. Their fierce rivalry set a benchmark so high that it was nearly impossible for others to keep up during their peak years.
For them, scoring became second nature. Even as they entered their 30s, they showed no signs of slowing down—proving that with relentless dedication and discipline, excellence can be sustained.
In this article, we’ll break down their career goal tallies and examine how many goals they’ve scored for each club they've played for.
Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi: A breakdown of their all-time career goals and stats
Cristiano Ronaldo currently holds the title of all-time leading goalscorer, with Lionel Messi close behind in second place. However, given that Messi is two years younger, the former Barcelona star still has a chance to overtake Ronaldo—provided he continues playing at a high level for a few more seasons.
Nonetheless, Ronaldo deserves immense credit. By the time the 39-year-old hangs up his boots, he will likely have surpassed the incredible milestone of 950 goals for club and country.
What’s particularly interesting is that, despite trailing in total goals, Messi boasts a better goals-per-game ratio. The Inter Miami forward averages 0.78 goals per match, slightly edging out Ronaldo’s 0.73.
This becomes even more impressive when you consider the different roles the two players have taken on throughout their careers. While Ronaldo began as a dynamic winger, he has spent the last decade predominantly as a center-forward—maximizing his goal-scoring opportunities.
In contrast, Messi has rarely played as a traditional striker. Instead, he has operated primarily as a right winger or an attacking midfielder, often focusing as much on creating goals as scoring them. Despite this, his goal output remains extraordinary.
| Club/Nation | Cristiano Ronaldo | Club/Nation | Lionel Messi |
| Sporting CP | 5 | Barcelona | 672 |
| Manchester United | 145 | Paris Saint-Germain | 32 |
| Real Madrid | 450 | Inter Miami | 44 |
| Juventus | 101 | Argentina | 112 |
| Al-Nassr | 97 | – | |
| Portugal | 136 | – | |
| Total | 935 | Total | 860 |
Both players are now approaching the twilight of their remarkable careers. When the day comes that they finally hang up their boots, it will mark one of the most emotional moments in sporting history. The joy and memories they've given to fans across the globe are truly priceless. For now, though, we should savor every moment they’re still on the pitch and appreciate the final chapters of their legendary journeys.
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World Football