He shoots… and he SCORES! The crowd goes wild! Messi! Ronaldo! Wait, who really was it? Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are two of the most popular soccer players in the world. They constantly are put head-to-head with each other, but the big question is; who really is the greatest of all time (GOAT)? The obvious answer is Messi, but many seem to disagree.  

     Lionel Messi was four years old when he started playing the beautiful game of soccer, and he is currently 35 years old. Christiano Ronaldo was nine years old when he started and is currently 38 years old. Therefore, Messi has two more years of experience than Ronaldo.  

     Messi and Ronaldo have both received many huge awards, but Messi has received more. Messi has roughly around 42 major trophies, whereas Ronaldo only has around 34. A recent big accomplishment for Lionel Messi is his team’s win of the 2022 World Cup while playing for his home country, Argentina. This was Messi’s first World Cup and Ronaldo is yet to win a World Cup. Many even say that this past year was probably both Messi and Ronaldo’s last World Cup. Messi has also received many individual awards, including seven Ballon d’Or awards. Ronaldo has only received five Ballon d’Or awards. The Ballon d’Or award is a soccer award presented by a French news magazine to who they believe is the best soccer player that year. 

     Both Messi and Ronaldo are making millions of dollars every year, but who makes more? As of last year, Messi made around $110 million, and Ronaldo only made about $100 million. Currently Messi is playing for Paris Saint Germain FC and making $41 million there, while Ronaldo is at Al-Nassr FC making $200 million a year. Even though Ronaldo is making more currently at his club, Messi is worth $620 million and after his contract is up with PSG, he will most likely be at a European club that recognizes his real worth.  

     Messi has played many positions all over the field, but in simple terms he is a forward. Ronaldo has also played many positions, but he is known for being a striker. Messi has played a total of 1017 matches in his career and has 800 goals. Ronaldo has played 1157 matches with 832 goals. Ronaldo may have more goals, but he has also played more games than Messi. Messi averages .79 goals a game and Ronaldo averages .72 goals a game.  

     Messi and Ronaldo are both very skilled and athletic players, but when it comes to being an athlete, character is also a huge part of it. Ronaldo is known for not having the best sportsmanship. Former teammates, coaches, and fans have described Ronaldo as arrogant and immature. On the other hand, Messi has great sportsmanship towards his teammates and opponents. When Messi is on the field, he is very focused in on the game, but when he is off the field, he always has a huge smile on his face.  

     Ronaldo, who is known for being one of the most attractive men in the world, or Messi, who is known for being the short 5’7” soccer player. Both are fantastic athletes who started as young boys with a dream and have now become two of the most well-known soccer players across the globe, but there can only be one GOAT. With that being said, the short left footed king, Messi, will forever be the greatest of all time.