Messi vs Ronaldo: We have seen the biggest rivalries in world football but the player rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The battle between the two superstars are still on despite their departure from Europe. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi recently won their first trophy for their new clubs, Al Nassr and Inter Miami respectively.
The Argentine is chasing glories as he has updated his trophy cabinet by winning a record 44th title of his career and it was the maiden title for MLS club. Former Barca legend helped Inter Miami win the Leagues Cup as they defeated Nashville SC in the final. Messi added magic to Inter Miami since his arrival as the Argentine forward scored 10 goals in seven matches.
Lionel Messi is the most decorated footballer in the world with 44 trophies. He surpassed his former Barcelona teammate Dani Alves, who has 43 titles. Messi already completed football by winning all major trophies in his career. He won the World Cup trophy last year for Argentina and in 2021, he won the Copa America Cup. Trophies were missing from the national outfit and he finally filled the cabinet with two iconic trophies.
Cristiano Ronaldo currently stands nine on the list of the most decorated players in football history with 35 trophies. Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish also has 35 titles. Sergio Busquets and Ryan Giggs have one extra title compared to Ronaldo. Gerard Pique, Andres Iniesta and Maxwell have won 37 titles each. Hossam Ashour comes third in the list with 39 titles and all these glories came during his time in Egypt.
Top 10 most decorated footballers:
- Lionel Messi (44 trophies)
- Dani Alves (43 trophies)
- Hossam Ashour (39 trophies)
- Maxwell (37 trophies)
- Andres Iniesta (37 trophies)
- Gerard Pique (37 trophies)
- Ryan Giggs (36 trophies)
- Sergio Busquets (36 trophies)
- Cristiano Ronaldo (35 trophies)
- Kenny Dalglish (35 trophies)
Messi vs Ronaldo: Trophies won by Messi and Ronaldo
Trophies from Ronaldo (35):
- 1 European Championship (Euro) – 2016
- 1 UEFA Nations League – 2019
- 5 Champions Leagues – 2008, 2014, 2016,2017 and 2018
- 4 FIFA Club World Cup – 2008, 2014, 2016 and 2017
- 3 UEFA Super Cup – 2015, 2017 and 2018
- 1 Portuguese Super Cup – 2002
- 3 English Championship (Premier League) – 2007,2008 and 2009
- 1 English FA Cup – 2004
- 2 English League Cup (Carabao Cup) – 2006 and 2009
- 2 English Super Cup – 2007 and 2008
- 2 La Liga – 2012 and 2017
- 2 Copa Del Rey – 2011 and 2014
- 2 Spanish Super Cup – 2013 and 2018
- 2 Serie A – 2019 and 2020
- 1 Italian Cup – 2021
- 2 Italian Super Cup – 2019 and 2021
- 1 Arab Club Champions Cup – 2023
Trophies from Lionel Messi (44):
- La Liga (10)-2004/05, 2005/06, 2008/09, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2012/13, 2014/15, 2015/16, 2017/18, 2018/19
- Copa del Rey (7)– 2008/09, 2011/12, 2014/15, 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18, 2020/21
- Supercopa de Espana(7)– 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2018
- UEFA Champions League (4)– 2005/06, 2008/09, 2010/11, 2014/15
- UEFA Super Cup (3)– 2009, 2011, 2015
- FIFA Club World Cup(3)-2009, 2011, 2015
- Ligue 1– 2021-22, 2022-23
- Trophee des Champions– 2022
- Leagues Cup (US) – 2023
How can Ronaldo surpass Messi?
We saw the Messi-Ronaldo battle in Ballon d’Or and Messi has an advantage with 7 titles, chasing one more in 2023. Ronaldo has won 5 Ballon d’Or and won other big trophies in his career. Ronaldo has won 35 titles so far and he is far behind Messi’s tally. Al Nassr forward recently won the silverware for the Saudi club this month. His side won the Arab Club Champions Cup by beating Al Hilal in the final.
He can target two more trophies this season in Saudi and if Al Nassr qualifies for AFC Champions League then it would be the third trophy he can aim for this season. He is 38 years old and it will be tough to reach Messi’s numbers. On the other hand, Messi can add few more trophies as he is in solid form now.
Ronaldo will also participate in Nations League and Euro 2024 but winning it is also a tough task. Both events will be the last for the 38-year-old as he will enter his 40s. Meanwhile, Messi will play in Copa America Cup 2024 and he can also target the next World Cup as well. If he stays with Miami for the next 3-4 years, he will easily add 2-3 titles. His next target would be 50 trophies in his career.
Editors pick
