It is one of the hottest debates in football that will live through the ages. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are currently playing in what will likely be their final major international tournaments. But for over two decades, the pair have dazzled and delighted football fans across the planet, constantly reaching new heights and breaking new records.
The debate will continue to divide football fans of this era who have been fortunate to watch the duo live, on television, or simply on YouTube. Even though the pair are in the twilight stages of their careers, both are still creating headlines and adding to their long lists of achievements to keep the legendary debate alive. Here are some key moments in the recent past that have kept fuelling the conversation.
Ronaldo Claims Euros Triumph
Despite being two of the most decorated players in football history, it took until 2016 for one of Messi or Ronaldo to win a trophy on the international stage. However, in 2016, that duck was broken by Ronaldo after he inspired Portugal to a 1-0 (AET) over hosts France, on and off the pitch.
After picking up a knee injury during the match, Ronaldo was pictured gesticulating and issuing instructions from the sideline alongside manager, Fernando Santos. After scoring three goals and laying on three assists during the tournament, the most iconic image was of Ronaldo on the touchline, a demonstration of the aura he emanates.
Since 2016, Portugal have gone on to win the Nations League twice (2019 & 2025), while Messi finally got his hands on the Copa America trophy in 2021, following that up with another success in 2024.
Messi Finally Lifts the World Cup
If there was one argument to finally put the debate to bed, it is Argentina’s World Cup triumph in 2022. In Messi’s fifth tournament appearance, the Barcelona legend finally lifted the famous trophy, even contributing a brace in a scintillating final against France that was decided on penalties.
The World Cup is the one trophy missing from Ronaldo’s personal trophy cabinet. However, that could change if Portugal can give Ronaldo the perfect international sendoff. Meanwhile, World Cup 2026 player props odds still have Messi among the favourites to win the Golden Boot after his hat-trick drew Argentina's captain level with Miroslav Klose on sixteen World Cup goals.
However, with Portugal expected to go deep in the tournament, despite the opening match draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo, football fans will not be discounting Ronaldo from the Golden Boot conversation and tournament success just yet.
Ballon d’Or Dominance
Over their careers, since Ronaldo and Messi made their debuts in 2002 and 2004 respectively, each player’s individual achievements have only been challenged by the other. That is no more apparent than in the coveted Ballon d’Or award, which the pair have won a magnificent thirteen times between them.
The debate of which player is better climaxed between 2008 and 2017 when both players were at the peak of their powers. The discussion was fuelled by the fact no other player won the Ballon d’Or until Luka Modric broke that streak in 2018. Up until 2017, both Ronaldo and Messi were tied on five triumphs each, until Messi added his sixth in 2019. The Argentine extended his status at the top to eight, winning the award while at Paris Saint-Germain (2021) and Inter Miami (2023).
Ronaldo Finally Succeeds in Saudi
Since Messi and Ronaldo have set such lofty standards for themselves over their careers, it seemed almost unthinkable that Ronaldo had not marked his venture to Saudi Arabia with a league success. However, that record was changed in the most recent season, when Ronaldo added the Saudi Pro League trophy to his collection.
The trophy had been shared in recent seasons by Saudi powerhouses, Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal. But after plundering 28 goals, Ronaldo was able to inspire Al-Nassr to their first domestic success since the 2018-19 season, the season when Ronaldo joined Juventus for an Italian record fee of €100 million.
A Debate with No Outcome
Over the past two decades, there have been moments when one player held the edge over the other. But between all the Ballon d’Or’s shared, the league titles accumulated and goals plundered, there is truly little to separate the pair. Both have held incredible influences at the clubs they have played for and inspired success wherever they have been.
And on the international front, both Messi and Ronaldo have plenty of proof of success. It remains to be seen if Ronaldo can end his international career with a flourish and at least pull level with Messi on World Cups won.
But regardless, the argument will continue to divide opinion for decades to come, even after the pair finally retire. Plus, there might still be more momentous moments to come.