Who is the GOAT of Football?

Settling the GOAT Debate Using Sportmonks Data to Crown Football’s Greatest of All Time

Contents

Analysing the Messi vs Ronaldo Debate Through a Data-Driven Lens

Few debates in football history have been as captivating—or as divisive—as the rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Their extraordinary careers have sparked countless discussions, fuelled by emotions, preference for a team, and national pride. The fact that they played for FC Barcelona and Real Madrid made the rivalry even fiercer. For some, Messi’s creativity, finesse and pure talent define greatness; for others, Ronaldo’s athleticism, work ethic and goal-scoring prowess make him the ultimate footballer. But how can such a subjective debate ever find an objective answer?

Sportmonks brings clarity to this passionate discussion by harnessing the power of data analytics. With access to an extensive array of metrics, we move beyond the usual arguments to uncover the details that truly set these two players apart. Our approach includes tracking their contributions in critical matches, measuring advanced metrics, and evaluating consistency over time and across various leagues. By leveraging our data, fans and analysts can examine their greatness with unparalleled precision.

This article will explore key categories in the Messi vs Ronaldo debate:

Goals and assists: Who consistently delivers in front of the goal and supports their teammates?
Advanced metrics: Beyond traditional stats, how do deep stats shape the debate?
Big-match performances: Which player steps up under pressure?
Adaptability: How have Messi and Ronaldo adjusted to different tactical systems, leagues, and teams?

By approaching this legendary rivalry with a data-driven lens, Sportmonks ensures an objective and comprehensive comparison—offering football fans a fresh perspective on what defines greatness.

Comparing Career Performances Across Leagues, Competitions, and Eras

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have built legacies defined by excellence across leagues, competitions, and eras. From La Liga’s iconic clashes (El Clásico) to the intensity of the Champions League, both players have set unparalleled benchmarks. But how do their contributions vary when examined across different footballing landscapes?

Club Football:
Messi’s career flourished at Barcelona, where his creativity and playmaking redefined his team and the whole of La Liga. After transitioning to PSG, he showcased his adaptability in Ligue 1, delivering key goals and assists. Conversely, Ronaldo carved a unique path: conquering the Premier League with Manchester United, ruling La Liga and the Champions League with Real Madrid, and later excelling in Serie A with Juventus. His versatility and ability to thrive in multiple systems underline his extraordinary adaptability.

International Achievements:
Ronaldo’s triumph in the Euros with Portugal and Messi’s long-awaited Copa América victory with Argentina highlight their contrasting journeys in international football. Both players have delivered iconic performances under immense pressure, proving their calibre on the global stage. While Ronaldo often dominates with his scoring prowess, Messi’s role as a creator shines equally bright.

Pressure, Intensity, and Tactical Adjustments:
Sportmonks’ data reveals how each player responds to competition intensity. Both players demonstrate resilience and adaptability, from Ronaldo’s unmatched performances in the Champions League knockout stages to Messi’s consistency in high-stakes matches. Their ability to deliver under pressure cements their places among football’s all-time greats.

Through precise data analysis, including career milestones, team contributions, and adaptability across eras, fans can finally gain a clearer picture of these footballing legends’ actual impact.

Career Trophies Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo

Distinguishing Achievements

Goal Contribution for Club Teams

Lionel Messi doesn’t need any introduction. We used data from the 2004/2005 season when he started playing for FC Barcelona at the age of 17. We included all matches from then until December 31st, 2024.

A wobbling 1083 matches of professional football since the 2003/2004 season. In total, he scored 850 goals and scored 379 assists. He had 1.229 goal contributions, which averaged a goal contribution per 72 minutes and 105 minutes per goal scored.

Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t need any introduction, either. The stats we used go back to when he started at Sporting at the age of 17. He played an incredible 1.255 professional matches. With 916 goals and 256 assists, he has made 1.172 goal contributions. On average, Ronaldo needed 87 minutes for a goal contribution and 112 minutes per goal scored.

Of course, things like team performance, level of the league, and many other factors need to be considered to decide who the absolute Football GOAT is.

*These stats are based on all-time career stats, excluding club friendlies. Only official matches were included.

Messi vs Ronaldo - Goal contributions

Goal Contribution for National Team

Lionel Messi played 191 matches for Argentina, scoring 112 goals and 58 assists. He contributed 170 goals, an average of 93 minutes per goal contribution and 141 minutes per goal.

Cristiano Ronaldo played 217 matches, scoring 135 goals and providing 37 assists for a total of 172 goals. Ronaldo needed 100 minutes per goal contribution for Portugal and 128 minutes per goal scored.

National Team achievements

Lionel Messi won the Copa América twice. The first time in 2020/2021 and the second time in 2023/2024. In the 2021 edition he scored four goals, in the 2024 edition Messi scored the 2-0 in the semi-final versus Canada (FT: 2-0). One thing that seemed to settle the debate is that Lionel Messi was able to win the World Cup of 2022 with Argentina. He scored seven goals in this edition of the World Cup.

People tend to forget that he is also an Olympic winner. He won the 2008 Olympics with Argentina and the Under-20 World Cup in 2005. Although these prizes aren’t considered majorly important, he won them with his national team.

Cristiano Ronaldo won the European Championship with Portugal. In the European Championship of 2016, Ronaldo became the European Champion. He scored three goals in this edition. Ronaldo’s second prize with the National team of Portugal was the Nations League in 2019.

This seems like a clear point to Lionel Messi if you ask me. This was not only due to the World Cup but also because Messi simply won more prizes.

Club achievements

At FC Barcelona, Messi won the Champions League four times, the Club World Cup three times, and became the champion of La Liga ten times. He also won the French Ligue 1 twice. He also won three UEFA Super Cups, seven Spanish Cups, eight Spanish Super Cups, one Supporters Shield, and the League Cup (in the USA). He also won the French Super Cup once.

Cristiano Ronaldo has earned the nickname Mr. Champions League due to personal achievements, but also due to his achievements with his team. He won the Champions League five times. He won it four times in a row with Real Madrid and once with Manchester United. Besides this, Ronaldo won the FIFA Club World Cup four times, La Lia two times, the Premier League three times, the Serie A two times, the UEFA Super Cup three times, the English FA Cup once, the Spanish Cup twice, the Italian Cup once, English League Cup twice, English Super Cup once, Italian Super Copa twice, Spanish Supercopa twice, the Portuguese Super Cup once, and the Arab Club Champions once.

Okay, now I am feeling a bit dizzy about all the numbers I have seen for those two. Based on the numbers, I think this is a really close call. But the Champions League is the most impressive title you can collect at club level, and Ronaldo won most of them. Ronaldo also collected trophies from more teams and from more countries than Lionel Messi.

Personal achievements

Both players have many records. However, Lionel Messi’s eight-time Ballon d’Or win stands out. I want to focus on facts and data, but to be fair, it doesn’t seem that anyone will break this record soon.

Lionel Messi also received the FIFA World Player of the Year award eight times, won the Golden Boot (Europe) six times, and was the top scorer 23 times (all leagues). He won the Golden Ball in the World Cup twice (2022 and 2024). He was also the top scorer in the Champions League and La Liga on six occasions.

Cristiano Ronaldo won five Ballon d’Ors and five FIFA World Player of the Year awards. He also won the European Golden Shoe four times. Ronaldo became the top scorer of the Champions League on seven occasions. He became La Liga’s top scorer in three seasons while also becoming the Premier League’s top scorer and Serie A top scorer once.

Again, there are a lot of other prizes, awards, and records these players won or broke. If you are interested in all of these to get an even better overview, please visit https://www.messivsronaldo.app/individual-awards/ and https://www.messivsronaldo.app/records/

Both of them have many records, and both of them were amazing. We already knew that before this blog, of course. But the difference in Ballon d’Or wins makes the difference here. Messi got these prizes for a reason. These two players were on a completely different level from the others playing in the same era. That is not a debate for this blog, though. The fact is that these two players have dominated football for almost two decades, and it was a joy to watch them play. But, where some think the Ballon d’Or is the biggest title an individual player can achieve, others might think winning the title in multiple countries is most important for a player.

Expected Goals and Expected Assists

Everyone knows what Expected Goals and Expected Assists are now, right? If not, please find our xG explained blog and find out everything you need to know.

With an xG of 219.91 from the 14/15 season to the 22/23 season, Lionel Messi has a lower xG than Ronaldo. However, he scored more goals than his xG and also more than Ronaldo actually scored. He scored 253 goals, while Ronaldo scored 234 goals with an xG of 229.38.

Why do we only have xG starting at 14/15? xG is a relatively new statistic. It has become very popular in the last few years, but before this particular season, it wasn’t as big as it is now.

https://www.messivsronaldo.app/detailed-stats/xg-expected-goals/

Other key statistics of the GOAT (Domestic League + Champions League)

Messi gave 1543 key passes since 09/10 to the 22/23 season, while Ronaldo gave 890. These stats are only from League and Champions League matches. Every 90 minutes, Messi played 2.49 key passes vs 1.66 key passes from Ronaldo.

Dribbling is another strength of Messi, who has completed 3.079 since the 2004/2005 season. Ronaldo, on the other hand, has dribbled since 2003/2004 and has completed 1.646.

Messi’s shot conversion is a bit better, with a goal every 5.45 shots versus a goal every 6.43 shots from Ronaldo. Ronaldo scores 84.6% of his penalties vs 77.9% of the penalties Messi scores. Every 16.4 games, Messi scores a free kick, while Ronaldo scores a free kick every 19.6 games. Ronaldo has more hat tricks, 66 vs 59. However, Messi has a hat trick every 18.4 games, and Ronaldo has one every 19 games. Messi wins 0.2 aerial duels per 90 minutes versus 1.38 Ronaldo is winning per 90. These stats have been collected since the 09/10 season.

Messi and Ronaldo’s Complete Impact on the Beautiful Game

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have redefined modern football through their unparalleled goal-scoring records and their ability to elevate their teams’ performance. Both players have consistently proven to be indispensable assets, shaping the tactical identity and success of the clubs and countries they have represented.

Messi’s influence extends beyond his scoring prowess, often acting as the creative heartbeat of his teams. His unparalleled vision and precision passing have allowed him to set up countless goal-scoring opportunities for teammates. At the same time, his positional awareness ensures he is always a threat, even in tightly marked situations. His role as a playmaker and finisher has enabled him to thrive in systems that prioritise fluid attacking play, as seen during his illustrious tenure at FC Barcelona and his contributions to Argentina’s Copa América triumph.

Ronaldo, on the other hand, is renowned for his adaptability and relentless drive to succeed. His ability to thrive in various tactical systems, leagues, and roles is unmatched. Whether leading the line as a striker or operating as a wide forward, Ronaldo has demonstrated an exceptional knack for scoring in crucial moments. Beyond goals, his physical presence, aerial dominance, and leadership qualities have given his teams a focal point during high-stakes matches, helping clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Juventus achieve domestic and international glory.

Both players’ contributions go far beyond individual accolades. Their ability to consistently deliver under pressure has transformed their teams’ fortunes, creating iconic moments that have cemented their legacies. While data like expected goals and heatmaps can offer additional insights into their broader impact, their immeasurable influence lies in their capacity to inspire and lead their teams to unparalleled success.

Analysing Key Moments in Finals, El Clásico, and International Tournaments

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have consistently delivered standout performances on football’s biggest stages, solidifying their status as two of the sport’s greatest players. From Champions League finals to El Clásico clashes and pivotal international matches, both players have made their mark when it mattered most.

Messi’s ability to shine under pressure has been evident throughout his career. His performances in Copa del Rey finals and Champions League deciders, such as the 2011 final against Manchester United, highlighted his ability to dominate games with goals, assists, and unmatched creativity. His leadership during Argentina’s Copa América triumph in 2021 further underscored his ability to rise to the occasion on the international stage, where he contributed key goals and assists en route to lifting the trophy.

Ronaldo, on the other hand, is synonymous with high-pressure performances. His record-breaking performances in Champions League finals—such as his brace against Juventus in 2017—are a testament to his ability to deliver when the stakes are highest. On the international stage, his role in Portugal’s Euro 2016 triumph, where his leadership and early contributions guided the team to their first major trophy, is a hallmark of his resilience and determination to succeed.

Both players have also left an indelible mark on El Clásico, with Messi scoring the most goals in the rivalry’s history and Ronaldo consistently delivering decisive performances, including dramatic winners. Their ability to influence outcomes in such intense encounters has elevated the spectacle of football’s greatest rivalry.

Evaluating Versatility and Tactical Adaptability

One of the defining traits of both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo is their ability to adapt to different tactical systems and environments while maintaining exceptional performance levels. Over their illustrious careers, both players have evolved their styles to meet the demands of their teams, managers, and leagues, demonstrating unparalleled versatility and tactical intelligence.

Messi’s career is a masterclass in positional adaptability. At Barcelona, he transitioned from a prolific winger to a false nine under Pep Guardiola, revolutionising the role with his ability to drop deep, create space, and orchestrate attacks. Later in his career, Messi adopted a deeper playmaking role, becoming the creative hub of his teams while still delivering goals and assists at an elite level. His move to Paris Saint-Germain required further adaptation, integrating into a team with stars like Neymar and Mbappé, where he embraced a more facilitator-oriented role while excelling in Ligue 1 and European competitions.

Ronaldo’s tactical journey is equally impressive. Starting as a dynamic winger at Manchester United, he dazzled with his flair, dribbling, and long-range efforts. Under Sir Alex Ferguson, he matured into a goal-scoring machine. At Real Madrid, Ronaldo reinvented himself as a central forward, focusing on positioning, heading ability, and clinical finishing. His adaptability was evident again at Juventus, where he thrived in a system that demanded more off-the-ball movement. Even in his return to Manchester United and subsequent stint at Al-Nassr, Ronaldo showcased his knack for finding opportunities in the box, emphasising his ability to adjust his game to suit his physical condition and team dynamics.

This tactical flexibility has been a cornerstone of their sustained success across different leagues and under various managerial philosophies. Both Messi and Ronaldo have proven they can thrive in any environment, further cementing their status as the greatest footballers of all time.

Goals per Type: Messi vs Ronaldo

Analysing How Messi and Ronaldo Maintained Elite Performances Throughout Their Careers

Few players in football history have managed to sustain excellence for as long as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Their ability to remain at the pinnacle of the game across decades is a testament to their adaptability, relentless work ethic, and footballing intelligence. Despite the inevitable physical challenges of ageing, both players have consistently redefined what it means to perform at an elite level.

At their respective peaks, Messi and Ronaldo showcased unmatched dominance. Messi’s 2011-12 season with Barcelona, where he scored 73 goals in all competitions, stands as one of the most outstanding individual campaigns in football history. Similarly, Ronaldo’s 2014-15 season with Real Madrid, in which he scored 61 goals, demonstrated his explosive power and clinical finishing. Both players thrived in systems built around their unique talents, elevating their teams to unprecedented heights.

As they entered their 30s, both players faced the challenge of adapting to changing physical realities. Messi, renowned for his dribbling and agility in his youth, gradually adopted a deeper, more creative role. He became a playmaker who dictated games while maintaining his scoring touch. His Ballon d’Or win in 2021, at age 34, highlighted his ability to remain decisive in domestic and international competitions.

Ronaldo, on the other hand, evolved from a dynamic winger into a lethal central forward. As his speed declined, his movement and positioning became more refined, allowing him to remain a prolific goal scorer. His incredible goal tally at Juventus and his continued impact at Manchester United in his mid-30s underline his capacity to adapt his playing style to fit his team’s needs.

Their record-breaking achievements further underscore the longevity of their careers. Both players have remained among the top scorers in Europe well into their 30s, winning league titles and individual awards. Despite ageing and the demands of modern football, their enduring brilliance ensures their legacies will inspire future generations for years to come.

Balancing Objective Data with Leadership, Influence, and Legacy

While data provides valuable insights into Messi’s and Ronaldo’s greatness, the full scope of their impact cannot be captured by numbers alone. Both players have demonstrated extraordinary leadership, influence, and an ability to inspire those around them—qualities that transcend quantifiable metrics.

Sportmonks data highlights their on-pitch dominance through goals, assists, and key contributions in decisive moments. However, their greatness is equally defined by their intangible qualities. Messi’s quiet yet commanding presence has often galvanized his teams. A prime example is Argentina’s Copa América 2021 victory, where Messi not only led by example with his goals and assists but also inspired his teammates with an unwavering determination to break their trophy drought. His role as a captain was pivotal in uniting the squad and instilling belief, cementing his status as a national hero.

Ronaldo’s leadership style contrasts with Messi’s, which is characterized by his vocal presence and relentless drive to win. His iconic hat trick against Atlético Madrid in the 2019 UEFA Champions League comeback exemplifies how his sheer willpower and confidence can lift an entire team. Ronaldo’s ability to thrive in high-pressure moments often sets the tone for his teammates, inspiring them to match his intensity and focus.

Beyond the pitch, both players have left a lasting legacy on younger teammates and fans worldwide. Messi’s humility and team-oriented mindset have made him a role model for aspiring players, while Ronaldo’s discipline and unyielding work ethic have set a benchmark for professionalism. Their influence has extended beyond football, impacting the sport’s global reach and inspiring millions to dream big.

Combining objective data with these intangible qualities provides a holistic view of their greatness. Messi and Ronaldo are not just exceptional athletes—they are symbols of resilience, inspiration, and the power of football to unite and inspire on a global scale.

Who is the GOAT Based on Sportmonks Data? A Data-Driven Conclusion to the Messi vs. Ronaldo Debate

The Messi vs. Ronaldo debate is one of football’s most captivating discussions, and with the help of Sportmonks data, we can objectively analyze their greatness. Both players have left an indelible mark on the sport, but their paths to success showcase distinct strengths and unique qualities that make this debate so compelling.

Data from Sportmonks highlights Messi’s unparalleled playmaking ability, characterized by his extraordinary vision, precision passing, and creativity in tight spaces. His metrics consistently show superior contributions in expected assists (xA), key passes, and dribbles completed. Moreover, Messi’s adaptability, evolving from a prolific goal-scorer to a deeper playmaking role, emphasizes his all-encompassing influence on the game.

Ronaldo’s data reveals his remarkable knack for goal-scoring, aerial dominance, and clutch performances in critical matches. With a goal-scoring record that remains unrivalled in many competitions, Ronaldo’s ability to deliver in high-pressure situations is a testament to his determination and mental fortitude. His consistent success across multiple leagues and his evolution from a dynamic winger to a central striker underscore his versatility and longevity.

Beyond the numbers, both players possess intangibles that elevate their status. Messi’s quiet leadership and ability to inspire through his actions have been instrumental in Argentina’s Copa América and World Cup triumphs. Ronaldo’s commanding presence and vocal leadership have spurred countless comebacks and instilled confidence in his teams.

Ultimately, Sportmonks data provides clarity on their respective strengths, but it also reinforces that greatness extends beyond statistics. While Messi’s data often highlights his all-around brilliance, Ronaldo’s ability to shine in defining moments is equally compelling.

Concluding the debate through a purely data-driven lens, Messi’s contributions may appear slightly more well-rounded, but Ronaldo’s influence in pivotal matches cannot be understated. The GOAT debate, however, is deeply personal, shaped by individual preferences, emotional connections, and admiration for their unique journeys.

The data provides invaluable insights, yet the true beauty of this debate lies in the diverse perspectives it inspires. These perspectives ensure that Messi and Ronaldo’s legacy as footballing icons will endure for generations to come.

Performance Stats: Messi vs Ronaldo

Legends speaking about Cristiano Ronaldo

Jose Mourinho

“He is the best. The best in the world, yes. Probably the best. I saw Maradona a couple of times. I never saw Pele. But Cristiano is amazing. This man is the best. Cristiano is a goal machine. He is an incredible player. He is like Zidane; there will never be another Ronaldo.”

Sir Bobby Charlton

“He (Ronaldo) does things I have never seen from any other player, which is marvellous to watch. It takes a great player to grab the bull by the horns and make things happen, but he has done it repeatedly.”

Eusebio

“He has magic in his boots. The first thing you notice about him is that he is incredibly quick and very, very powerful for such a young man. He has great close control and his technique is excellent. He believes he can do anything with the ball, and that confidence makes him very special indeed.”

Zinedine Zidane

“When you play with Ronaldo on your team, you are already 1-0 up.”

Johan Cruyff

“Cristiano Ronaldo is better than George Best and Denis Law, who were two brilliant and great players in the history of United.”

George Best

“There have been a few players described as the new George Best over the years, but this is the first time it’s been a compliment to me.”

Luis Figo

“There are some things Ronaldo can do with a football that makes me touch my head and wonder how on earth he did it.”

Lionel Messi

“(Ronaldo) is always there, scoring goals in all the games and taking part in his club and national side. He has been doing that for many years, and whether he is at his peak or a bit below, it makes no difference.”

Legends speaking about Lionel Messi

Ray Hudson

“They tell me that all men are equal in God’s eyes. This player makes you seriously think about those words.”

Pelé

“I like Messi a lot. He’s a great player. Technically, we’re practically at the same level.”

Hristo Stoichkov

“Once, they said they can only stop me with a pistol. Today, you need a machine gun to stop Messi.”

Frank Ribery

“Messi is class. There is him, and then there is the rest. What he does is extraordinary.”

Johan Cruyff

“For the world of soccer, Messi is a treasure because he is a role model for children around the world… Messi will be the player to win the most Ballons d’Or in history. He will win five, six, seven. He is incomparable. He’s in a different league.”

Arsene Wenger

“Who is the Best Player in the World? Leo Messi. Who is the Best Player Ever? Leo Messi.”

Pep Guardiola

“Don’t write about him, don’t try to describe him. Just watch him.”

Cristiano Ronaldo

I like to see all the good footballers and he is one of them, it’s a good crack. I really enjoy seeing him play. How would I not like someone who hasn’t done anything bad – it’s the opposite. When they ask Messi about Cristiano, he also talks positively about me. My relationship with him is cordial, and we have mutual respect for each other.”

Now, who is your GOAT?

Whether or not you had a preference for either of these two baffling players. I hope you are able to make your choice after reading about all the data and all kinds of other opinions. Are you able to call one of them your GOAT now?

Explore Sportmonks Data and Enhance Your Football Knowledge with Real-Time Insights and Advanced Metrics

The Messi vs. Ronaldo debate is just the beginning of what Sportmonks can help you uncover. Dive deeper into the world of football with real-time insights, advanced metrics, and detailed player data that provide clarity in player comparisons, team dynamics, and more. Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a professional analyst, or simply a curious viewer, Sportmonks offers the tools to enhance your understanding of the game.

With our comprehensive football data services, you can explore performance metrics, track match events as they unfold, and even settle your own football debates with facts and figures. From player heatmaps to expected goals and assists, Sportmonks equips you with everything you need to analyze football like never before.

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Written by Jordy Post

Jordy Post is a seasoned football data and marketing expert with over 3 years of industry experience. With an in-depth understanding of Football Data, he stands out as a leading authority in delivering comprehensive insights. Jordy specializes in uncovering new stats, tracking market trends, and identifying emerging patterns, consistently providing innovative analyses that offer invaluable insights to Sports Data lovers.

Settling the GOAT Debate Using Sportmonks Data to Crown Football’s Greatest of All Time