Between them, they have won a staggering 13 Ballon d’Or titles. During their peak years in European football, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo stood in a league of their own, unmatched by any contemporaries. Even in the twilight of their careers, the Argentine icon and the Portuguese superstar continue to captivate fans across the globe—now from very different corners of the footballing world. Yet, the legendary rivalry and the timeless “who’s the greatest?” debate remain as alive as ever.
For over a decade, Messi and Ronaldo mesmerized football lovers with their relentless pursuit of excellence. Their individual brilliance became intrinsically tied to the legendary rivalry between Spanish giants FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. The two carved out illustrious careers filled with record-breaking feats, trophies, and unforgettable moments, fueling a global frenzy among their loyal fanbases.
Even today, the mere mention of either name sparks admiration and awe among fans, pundits, and players alike. Unsurprisingly, the debate over who stands supreme still rages on. At times, even the two icons themselves add fuel to the fire. In a recent interview with France Football, the organization behind the Ballon d’Or, Messi opened up about his long-standing rivalry with Ronaldo, how they pushed each other, and what that era meant for both players and fans.
In a video posted by the Ballon d’Or’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, the World Cup-winning Argentina captain said: “The rivalry was always there. From a sporting perspective, it was truly special. We pushed each other constantly to perform at our best, because both of us were extremely competitive. He always wanted to win everything, and so did I. It was a great period—for both of us and for football fans alike.”
Their storied rivalry began in earnest in 2008, when Ronaldo won his first Ballon d’Or while playing for Manchester United, edging out a rising Messi from Barcelona’s La Masia academy. But the real chapter began in 2009 when Ronaldo transferred to Real Madrid, setting the stage for one of football’s most thrilling showdowns. From 2009 to 2018, every El Clásico between Barcelona and Madrid became a global spectacle as the two greats clashed in Spain’s top flight.
Over a span of 15 years in European club football, the duo dominated the Ballon d’Or, winning a combined 13 titles—Messi claiming 8 and Ronaldo 5. Messi enjoyed an unprecedented run from 2009 to 2012, winning the Ballon d’Or four years in a row. Ronaldo responded with a strong comeback, claiming the award four times between 2013 and 2017.
Statistically, both left behind legendary legacies. Messi scored 672 goals for Barcelona, won six Golden Shoes, and shattered numerous records. Meanwhile, Ronaldo remains the all-time top scorer in the UEFA Champions League with 140 goals and has been named UEFA’s Best Player three times. More than just personal accolades, their rivalry elevated the sport itself, setting new standards for greatness.
Reflecting on his long-time adversary, Messi said “I think it was a wonderful chapter for both of us—and for football lovers. The things we achieved on the field over such a long time speak for themselves. There’s a saying that reaching the top is easy, but staying there is the hard part.”
