Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi compared: who has performed better in major finals?

The 1-0 triumph over Milan gave Cristiano Ronaldo his 28th major club honour (including five league titles) after his 27th final.

Lionel Messi trumps his rival in the major honours category, with 32 to his name including nine league victories in Spain.

Although both players have scored at least 40 goals in every full season since 2010, that figure doesn’t show who has performed better in finals – when the pressure is higher than ever.

Ronaldo has scored 19 goals and made two assists in his 27 finals – a ratio of 0.77 goal contributions.

Messi and scored 28 goals and made 14 assists in his 33 finals – a ratio of 1.27 contributions.

Those figures show that both men are extremely efficient in finals, but Messi both scores and creates goals, whereas Ronaldo has struggled to set-up goals for his team-mates.

CR7 has scored 589 goals in his 789 games at club level as a professional player with 85 in 154 for Portugal.

Messi has notched 586 in 691 games as a pro with 65 in 128 for Argentina.

Although Messi’s stats are likely to surpass those of Ronaldo considering the two year age gap between the players, Ronaldo has suggested that proving ability in different countries has added to his reputation.

The 33-year-old started his career in Portugal before moving to England and then Italy via Spain, whereas Messi has only played club football for Barcelona. Ronaldo recently offered a challenge to Messi, and revealed he would relish the Argentine joining him in leaving Spain.

“I’d like him to come to Italy one day,” Ronaldo told the Italian press in December.

“I hope he accepts the challenge like me, but if he’s happy there then I respect that.”

“No, maybe it’s him who misses me. I’ve played in England, Spain, Italy, Portugal and for my national team, while he’s still in Spain.”

“For me, life is a challenge, I like it and I like to make people happy. He’s a fantastic player and a good guy, but I don’t miss anything here. This is my new life and I’m happy.

Messi responded to the challenge negatively: “I don’t need any change,” the Argentina striker told Marca.

“I’m at the best team in the world. My challenges are renewed year after year.

“I do not need to change teams or leagues to set new goals. I am at home and I do not need to change.”

source: express.co.uk