ARG
LionelMessi
936
TOTAL GOALSCareer
THE COMPARISON EXPLORER
Messi vs Ronaldo Comparison Explorer
Choose the context, explore the figures, and share what you find. Every comparison keeps its scope and source attached. Data cutoff: 2026-10-29.
Reviewed baseline: 21 September 2026. Later totals include the dated matches in the update log; unlisted dates have not been verified. Scoring breakdowns include verified match details; incomplete classifications are marked separately. Assist definitions may differ between providers. View update log ↗
Interactive comparison
Career timeline · Career
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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.
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
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. Statistics cover the stated period; overlapping categories should not be added together.
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.
How many matches have Messi and Ronaldo played?
Messi has 1183 career appearances and Ronaldo has 1343. A substitute appearance counts as one match. Updated 29 October 2026.
How many goals have Messi and Ronaldo scored for club and country?
Messi: 810 club goals and 126 international goals. Ronaldo: 839 club goals and 146 international goals. Updated 29 October 2026.
Do international friendlies and club friendlies count?
Career totals include senior competitive club games and recognized senior A internationals, including international friendlies. Club friendlies, exhibitions, youth/reserve games and shootout kicks are excluded.
How many goals have Messi and Ronaldo scored in 2026?
In the 2026 calendar year, Messi has 40 goals and Ronaldo has 28. Updated 29 October 2026. These are senior club and international goals from 1 January, not all-time career totals. The match update log documents later additions.