Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo: Complete head-to-head record

The greatest individual footballing rivalry of all time, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have enjoyed some historic duels over the years.

The two most popular footballers the world has ever seen, the GOAT debate rages on to this day despite both superstars having moved away from the intense spotlight of European football.

Regardless of 'Team Messi' vs 'Team Ronaldo', the attacking dynamos remain two of the most astounding and well-decorated players on the planet, having dominated and defined an era all by themselves.

With the duo set to reunite for perhaps one last time at the Riyadh Season Cup when Messi's Inter Miami meet Ronaldo's Al Nassr in early February, it's worth analysing how the pair have fared in battles with one another throughout their illustrious careers.

Here is the complete head-to-head record between Messi and Ronaldo, as well as some incredibly memorable clashes of yesteryear.

Manchester United had knocked Barcelona out of the Champions League semi-final during the 2007/08 season, Ronaldo going on to the lift his first European trophy in the final against Chelsea. However, in the third meeting between the maestros, Messi got his revenge.

Barca would face Man Utd in the final the following season in Rome, the first of two meetings between Pep Guardiola and Sir Alex Ferguson — the second coming in the Champions League final two years later. The now Manchester City coach had moulded the Catalan club into the best side in Europe, something exemplified by their triumph at the Stadio Olimpico.

It would turn out to be Ronaldo's final game for Man Utd before his big-money move to Real Madrid, but it wasn't a happy send-off. The Portuguese failed to make a significant impact in the final, overshadowed by Messi's