ARG
LionelMessi
936
TOTAL GOALSCareer
- Assists
- 427
- Appearances
- 1,183
FOOTBALL / PLAYER COMPARISONLast updated
Messi vs Ronaldo
Career and competition records for Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
POR
CristianoRonaldo
985
TOTAL GOALSCareer
- Assists
- 261
- Appearances
- 1,343
STATISTICAL COMPARISON
Career statistics
Leads this statBoth starred = tiedLower minutes per goal is better
| LIONEL MESSI | CAREER | CRISTIANO RONALDO |
|---|---|---|
936 | Goals | 985 |
427 | Assists | 261 |
1,183 | Appearances | 1,343 |
97,321 | Minutes played | 109,812 |
1,363 | Goals + assists | 1,246 |
0.79 | Goals per appearance | 0.73 |
0.87 | Goals per 90 minutes | 0.81 |
1.26 | Goals + assists per 90 | 1.02 |
104.0 | Minutes per goal | 111.5 |
Definitions and sources are in our methodology.Football statistics glossary
READING THE DATA
In this career overview comparison, Messi has 936 goals and 427 assists in 1183 appearances. Ronaldo has 985 goals and 261 assists in 1343 appearances. Updated 29 October 2026. Senior competitive club games and senior internationals, including A-international friendlies. Club friendlies, youth games and shootouts excluded. Post-baseline matches and provider definitions are listed in the public update log. Scoring breakdowns have individual coverage notes. Check each scoring breakdown's individual coverage notes.
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Goals
MessiRonaldo
Reading the comparison: Career overview
Ronaldo leads the goal total by 49. Per 90 minutes: Messi 0.87, Ronaldo 0.81.
The total and rate have different leaders: Messi leads on scoring rate.
These calculations use the table’s goals and playing sample. Rates do not adjust for opponents, teammates or role.
Compare by competition
All comparisons2026 highlights
2026 statsClub & country this calendar year
Inter Miami / Al Nassr
Career totals through 29 October 2026
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
Ballon d’Or wins
Men’s awards · 2008–2025
MessiRonaldo
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Analysis & explainers
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Read articleQuick answers
All answersHow many career goals have Messi and Ronaldo scored?
Goals: Messi 936; Ronaldo 985.
Data cutoff:
Explore the comparisonHow many assists do Messi and Ronaldo have?
Assists: Messi 427; Ronaldo 261.
Data cutoff:
Explore the comparisonHow many matches have Messi and Ronaldo played?
Appearances: Messi 1183; Ronaldo 1343.
Data cutoff:
Explore the comparisonRonaldo vs Messi: how do their records compare?
Compare Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo across their careers, clubs and national teams. The published figures below run through . Each competition has its own boundary and supporting sources.
| Record | Messi | Ronaldo |
|---|---|---|
| Career goalsData cutoff: | 936 | 985 |
| Career assistsData cutoff: | 427 | 261 |
| Career goals per appearanceData cutoff: | 0.79 | 0.73 |
| Champions League goalsData cutoff: | 129 | 140 |
| World Cup goalsData cutoff: | 21 | 11 |
| Ballon d’Or awardsCompleted editions through 2025 | 8 | 5 |
Competition totals are part of career totals; these rows should not be added together. Sources & counting rules · Public update log
Who has scored more career goals?
Messi has 936 career goals and Ronaldo has 985. These totals include senior competitive club matches and recognized senior internationals. Club friendlies, youth matches and penalty shootouts are excluded. Explore the full goals comparison.
Messi averages 0.79 goals per appearance; Ronaldo averages 0.73. This adjusts for match count, but not minutes played, opposition or role. Open the calculator.
How do their assists compare?
The career comparison records 427 assists for Messi and 261 for Ronaldo. Assist definitions differ between providers, so compare totals using the same source and scope. See assists, goal contributions and counting rules.
How are team trophies and individual awards counted?
Team trophies are listed by competition, with youth, Olympic and conference titles identified. Ballon d’Or awards are shown separately. Compare the complete trophy cabinet.
Does a higher total settle who is better?
A total answers one question. Playing time, competition, role and the length of each career add context. Use total goals alongside appearances and per-90 rates, or explore matches in which both players appeared. Our methodology explains the limits and sources.
ABOUT THE DATA
Sources & methodology
Every statistic links to its source. Counting rules, coverage dates and corrections are public.