When the debate arises over greatest of all time, only two names normally crop up: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The two superstars are undoubtedly the best players the 21st century has seen and have often had to share the limelight as they attempted to one-up each other on the field with their genius. While their powers have waned in recent years, they still steal attention wherever they go.
Few arguments are fought as fiercely when it comes to crowning one of these heavyweights as the greatest fans have ever seen, with their brilliance often splitting opinion.
So, with a little help from the stats and some former pros, let's answer the GOAT debate.
Well, let's start simple. Ronaldo is three years older than Messi and has unsurprisingly played more football over his illustrious career. He has played in over 1,200 matches for club and country — excluding appearances at the Olympics and youth team level for Portugal — while his Argentinian rival has over 1,000 appearances to his name.
Given he has played just under 150 more games than Messi, it makes sense that Ronaldo also leads the way for goals with 879 to his counterpart's 836. However, in terms of goals per game, it's Messi who triumphs with a rate of 0.77 strikes per match compared to Ronaldo's 0.73.
Given their play styles, one would guess Messi has the greater assist total and that would be correct. The former Barcelona star has often dazzled with his creativity on that right wing, producing an astonishing 405 assists. Ronaldo has often been used more as a goal-getter than a facilitator and that is evident in his assist stats, with just 283 over the years.
Stats
Lionel Messi
Cristiano Ronaldo
Appearances
1,078
1,211
Goals
836
879
Goals per game
0.77
0.73
Assists
405
283
Ass
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