Here are 10 reasons why Messi is better than Ronaldo

One of the most important controversies in football is the debate about who is the best, Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi. The two stars have dominated football for over a decade, winning numerous accolades and trophies. This article highlights 10 reasons why Messi is better than Ronaldo.

Everybody has a favourite player they admire and look up to. Messi and Ronaldo have millions of die-hard fans, some of whom treat them as gods. The arguments and "reasons why Messi is better than Ronaldo" are all backed up by facts from credible sources.

The top 10 reasons why Messi is better than Ronaldo

While both have achieved unprecedented success, many argue that the South American star holds a slight edge. Here are ten compelling reasons why Lionel Messi is the goat.

10. Team player

The former Barcelona forward has always been more of a team player than Ronaldo. However, according to Reuters, Diego Maradona previously labelled Messi a little selfish in his early career, but the truth is that the Argentinian is not nearly as ridiculous as Ronaldo is sometimes.

9. Natural talent

Leo's natural talent is one of the primary reasons he is the best. His dribbling, vision, and ability to read the game seem almost innate. During his prime days, the Argentine could effortlessly glide past defenders in a way that seemed nearly supernatural. Pep Guardiola, who managed Messi at Barcelona, once said:

8. Playmaking ability

While the Portuguese skipper is known for his efficiency in front of the net, Messi's strength is in playmaking. He has provided several assists to his teammates and produced defence-splitting passes. In 1044 career appearances, Barcelona's all-time top scorer has 361 assists, while Ronaldo has 248 assists in 1,200 appearances.

7. Dribbling skills

Messi's exceptional dribbling skills set him apart from Ronaldo. His low centre of gravity, quick feet, and precise control make him one of football's greatest dribblers.

Daily Mail revealed Leo completed 2358 dribbles between August 2006 and 2023. That is almost twice as many as his closest competitor, Eden Hazard, and far more than Ronaldo, who sits sixth on the list with 937 dribbles in the same period.

6. Free-kick goals

From the beginning of his career, Messi had a poor free-kick record but gradually improved to become one of the best. When he became Barcelona's all-time leading goalscorer on March 20, 2012, he had just five free-kick goals.

Leo converted 10 free-kick goals in 2018, his highest in a calendar year. He has scored 65 set-piece goals against Ronaldo's 63 as of June 2024.

5. Goalscoring prowess

While Ronaldo has scored more goals than his rival (877 vs 822), as revealed by GiveMeSport, as of June 2024, the Argentinian has a higher goals-per-game average of 0.78 compared to Ronaldo's 0.73.

Messi scored 73 goals in the 2011-12 season and an astonishing 91 goals in the 2012 calendar year, a feat Ronaldo has yet to match. CR7's highest tally in a calendar year is 61 goals in the 2014-15 season.

The Portuguese captain surpassed the 50-goal mark every season for six years between 2010-11 and 2015-16. Messi has also recorded more hat-tricks, 63, than his counterpart, 57.

4. Consistency

The South American's consistency from 2018-2021 was out of this world. From the 2008-09 season to the 2020-21 season, he maintained his outstanding performance, with more than 30 goals each season.

Ronaldo's form declined during his latter stages in Europe. He failed to break the 30 goals barrier in the 2018-19 season, his first season at Juventus and his last tenure at Manchester United. Messi hit the mark every year except 2020.

3. National team success

Ronaldo's success in the UEFA European Championship and the Nations League made him steps ahead of Messi at the international level. The Argentine turned things around by guiding his nation to Copa América, Finalissima, and FIFA World Cup titles.

Cristiano's greatest achievement with Portugal in the World Cup was reaching the semi-finals in 2006. France defeated them before losing the third-place play-off against Germany.

2. Messi is the most decorated football player in history

The South American is regarded as the most decorated player in football history, boasting 44 trophies as of June 2024. His accolades include 12 league titles, four Champions League titles, seven Copa del Rey titles, eight Spanish Super Cups, one French Super Cup, three European Super Cups, and three FIFA Club World Cups. His rival, Ronaldo, has won 33 senior trophies.

1. Individual awards

In terms of individual accolades, Messi holds a slight advantage over Ronaldo. Messi has won the Ballon d'Or seven times, compared to Ronaldo's five. Leo has six European Golden Shoes, two more than Ronaldo. The Argentinian also has more FIFA 'The Best' awards (7), while Ronaldo has five.

Trivia

The Messi–Ronaldo rivalry is a football debate incited by the media and fans, mainly due to their chronological age and the same achievements and victories they have. They spent nine seasons in the prime of their careers facing off regularly while playing for rival clubs Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Casemiro's stats: How has the Brazilian midfielder transformed Manchester United since joining the team?

Football

Why is Messi better than CR7?

The Argentine edges out Cristiano Ronaldo because of his unmatched natural talent and consistency. Messi's playmaking greatness, accolades, and success for club and country make him stand out as the GOAT.

Who is taller, Messi or Ronaldo?

Ronaldo, Messi's former El Clasico opponent, is 1.87 metres (6 feet 2 inches) tall, 17 centimetres taller than Messi.

Who is older, Messi or Ronaldo?

Ronaldo was born in February 1985, two years and four months older than the South American, born on June 24, 1987.

Final word

Although there are many reasons why Messi is better than Ronaldo, the two footballers have achieved various historical milestones, putting them among the best players of all time. They are among the most decorated footballers ever and have regularly broken the 50-goal barrier in a single season.

Sports Brief published an article about Maradona vs. Pele. The two legends have been regarded as the greatest players of all time, reflecting the bitter rivalry between their countries. Both have impressive resumes and have competed in the prestigious World Cup. Click the above link to read more!