Eight Ballons d'Or, a World Cup, the all-time La Liga and Barcelona scoring records. The case for Messi as GOAT is now hard to argue against — but here it is from both sides.
After 2022 Messi is, for many, the GOAT — but Ronaldo, Pelé and Maradona remain credible counter-cases depending on criteria.
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More Ballons d'Or than anyone, the 2022 World Cup, the highest goals+assists tally ever, and the all-time La Liga and Barcelona scoring records.
Against: Pelé's three World Cups, Ronaldo's longevity, and Maradona's 1986 single-handed tournament still have advocates.
By individual awards (8 Ballons d'Or) and the 2022 World Cup, he has the strongest case of any active player.
After 2022 Messi is, for many, the GOAT — but Ronaldo, Pelé and Maradona remain credible counter-cases depending on criteria. For the full side-by-side across goals, trophies, Ballons d'Or and the World Cup, see our main Messi vs Ronaldo comparison.
Every Messi vs Ronaldo comparison on the site — fully indexable.