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The biggest trophy in football

World Cup — Messi vs Ronaldo

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.

Short answer
Messi

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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By the numbers

Metric
Messi
Ronaldo
World Cup wins
1 (2022)
0
Finals reached
2 (2014, 2022)
0
Best finish (non-winning)
Runner-up 2014
Semi-finals 2006
World Cup goals
13
9
World Cup assists
8 (record)
2
Golden Ball (best player)
2 (2014, 2022) — only player ever
0
World Cup appearances
5
5 (likely 6 in 2026)
World Cup matches
26 (record)
22

Messi's 2022 — the trophy that changed the debate

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 World Cup — still unfinished

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.

Frequently asked

+How many World Cups have Messi and Ronaldo won?

Messi has 1 (2022). Ronaldo has 0.

+How many World Cup goals has each scored?

Messi has 13. Ronaldo has 9.

+Who has scored in more World Cups?

Ronaldo has scored in 5 different World Cups, a record.

+Will Ronaldo play the 2026 World Cup?

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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