Until 18 December 2022, the World Cup was the single biggest hole in either GOAT case. That night it became Messi's. Ronaldo's story is still being written.
Messi: 1 World Cup, 2 Golden Balls, 13 World Cup goals, 8 assists. Ronaldo: 0 finals, 1 semi-final, 9 World Cup goals.
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Argentina were beaten in their opener by Saudi Arabia. Messi then dragged them through every round, scored in the final, won the Golden Ball for a second time, and lifted the trophy.
Tournament line: 7 goals, 3 assists, 7 games, Golden Ball, World Cup. The performance most cited by Messi-side GOAT voters.
Ronaldo's best run was the semi-final in 2006. He has scored in five separate World Cups — a record — but Portugal has never reached a final on his watch.
He is on track to play a record sixth World Cup in 2026. The final chapter is not yet written.
Messi has 1 (2022). Ronaldo has 0.
Messi has 13. Ronaldo has 9.
Ronaldo has scored in 5 different World Cups, a record.
He has stated his intention to play and is currently first-choice for Portugal — it would be a record sixth tournament.
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