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June 3, 2025
The two greatest players of their generation may be in their final years, but the GOAT discussion is still on the table, despite none of them playing in Europe anymore. Ronaldo or Messi? The two already made sure their names will be remembered forever...
The debate over who is the greatest footballer of all time — Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi — has captivated fans, pundits, and players alike for over a decade. Both have redefined the sport with their extraordinary talent, breaking records and winning accolades across the globe. But when it comes to determining the GOAT (Greatest of All Time), the answer isn't straightforward. Let's delve into their careers, achievements, and the factors that fuel this ongoing debate.
Cristiano Ronaldo - Motivation monster
::: CRISTIANO RONALDO
• Ballon d'Or Wins: 5 (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017)
• UEFA Champions League Titles: 5 (2008, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018)
• European Golden Shoes: 4 (2008, 2014, 2015, 2018)
• International Goals: 111 goals in 180 appearances for Portugal
• International Tournaments: UEFA European Championship (2016), UEFA Nations League (2019)
::: LIONEL MESSI
• Ballon d'Or Wins: 7 (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021)
• UEFA Champions League Titles: 4 (2006, 2009, 2011, 2015)
• European Golden Shoes: 6 (2010, 2012, 2013, 2017, 2018, 2019)
• International Goals: 76 goals in 151 appearances for Argentina
• International Tournaments: Copa América (2021), FIFA World Cup (2022), Olympic Gold Medal (2008)
| STATISTIC | RONALDO | MESSI |
|---|---|---|
| Total Goals | 933 | 861 |
| Goals per Game | 0.74 | 0.79 |
| Assists | 236 | 354 |
| International Goals | 111 | 76 |
| Club Appearances | 1.267 | 1.098 |
| Int. Appearances | 180 | 151 |
Note: Statistics are current as of 2025.
While both players have achieved significant success at the club level, their international careers have been marked by contrasting experiences.
• Cristiano Ronaldo has been a pivotal figure for Portugal, leading them to victory in the 2016 UEFA European Championship and the 2019 UEFA Nations League. His leadership and goal-scoring prowess have been instrumental in Portugal's success on the international stage.
• Lionel Messi, after several near-misses, finally secured a major international trophy with Argentina by winning the 2021 Copa América. His crowning achievement came in 2022 when he led Argentina to victory in the FIFA World Cup, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest to ever play the game.
Both players have had illustrious club careers, playing for some of the biggest clubs in the world.
• Cristiano Ronaldo has had successful stints at Sporting, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al Nassr. His versatility and adaptability have allowed him to thrive in multiple leagues, showcasing his ability to excel in different footballing cultures.
• Lionel Messi spent the majority of his career at FC Barcelona, where he became the club's all-time top scorer. In 2021, he made a high-profile move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), continuing to perform at an elite level. Messi's deep connection with Barcelona and his role in their successes have been a defining aspect of his career.
• Cristiano Ronaldo is known for his athleticism, powerful shots, and aerial ability. His work ethic and determination have allowed him to maintain peak physical condition throughout his career.
• Lionel Messi is celebrated for his dribbling skills, vision, and playmaking ability. His low center of gravity and close ball control make him a constant threat in one-on-one situations.
Both players have maintained exceptional performance levels into their late 30s, defying the typical decline associated with aging athletes.
• Cristiano Ronaldo, at 40 years old, continues to play at a high level, recently leaving Al Nassr after two and a half seasons without titles but with an impressive 25 goals in the 2024–2025 season.
• Lionel Messi, at 37, remains a key player for Inter Miami, recently surpassing 860 career goals and continuing to contribute significantly to his team's success
The question of who is the GOAT often comes down to personal preference and the criteria one values most.
• Cristiano Ronaldo's supporters highlight his versatility, having succeeded in multiple leagues and his impressive goal-scoring record.
• Lionel Messi's advocates emphasize his playmaking ability, consistency, and recent World Cup victory as evidence of his superiority.
While discussing legendary footballers, it's also worth noting that fans often seek entertainment beyond the pitch. For those interested in online gaming, exploring Australian online pokies can be a fun way to unwind. These digital slot games offer a variety of themes and features, providing an engaging experience during your downtime. Remember to play responsibly and ensure that online gaming is legal in your jurisdiction.
Cristiano Ronaldo next game for Portugal is on June 4, against Germany, for the UEFA Nations League. You can watch Germany vs Portugal, Chile vs Argentina, Spain vs France, Andorra vs England, Norway vs Italy and Ecuador vs Brazil, all matches provided from our soccer streams game pages.
Portugal next game:
Germany vs Portugal kick-off time (04-06-2025):
Beijing (China) | UTC/GMT+7: 03:00
India (New Delhi) | UTC/GMT+4.30: 00:30
Saudi Arabia (Riyadh) | UTC/GMT+2: 22:00
Spain (Madrid) | UTC/GMT+1: 21:00
Portugal and England (Lisbon/London) | UTC/GMT+0: 20:00
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | UTC/GMT-3: 17:00
New York (United States) | UTC/GMT-4: 16:00
Los Angeles (United States) | UTC/GMT-7: 13:00
Sources: ronaldo7.net / fbref.com / uefa.com
