They broke all the records, but can they win the World Cup?
November 18, 2022
Above: Nazario Graziano / www.agencyrush.com
For more than a decade, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have defined each other’s careers, legacies and the world of football.
They successfully matched each other, climbing to previously unmapped heights, but they embody different philosophies.
Messi – shorter and more reserved, was a natural football genius who shared his creativity with the team, assisting almost as many goals as he did. Then there’s Ronaldo — taller, a physical specimen who bulldozes through defense, grafting and training until he’s better than anyone else on the pitch.
But for all their accolades, neither of them won the World Cup. Qatar 2022 could be their last chance to see if one of them can finally win the biggest trophy.
See how the star players match up, back to their professional debuts.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Lionel Messi
August 2002
Ronaldo makes professional debut 17 years old, Playing for Portuguese club Sporting Club Portugal.
August 2003
First cap for the Portuguese national team 18, Came off the bench against Kazakhstan.
October 2004
exist 17 years old, Messi takes the lead 778 appearances for Barcelona. At that time, he was the youngest player to represent the club in an official game.
August 2005
Make Argentina debut, in 18 years old, Came on as a substitute in a friendly against Hungary but was sent off after just two minutes.
June 2006
The Nets scored the first of seven World Cup goals in four games, becoming — 21 years old – the youngest Portuguese player Goal in the World Cup.
become youngest player Represented Argentina in the World Cup and scored goals in the game 13 minutes, Became the sixth youngest goal scorer in tournament history.
April 2007
He scored arguably his greatest goal as he bypassed several Getafe defenders. One of 672 strikes For Barcelona.
May 2009
Inspiring Barcelona to beat Ronaldo’s Manchester United in Champions League final The second of four titles. He finished the game as top scorer.
July 2009
Joined Real Madrid from Manchester United, setting a then world record $130 million cost.
November 2009
After inspiring Barca to a historic three trophies in one season, 22 years old Became the first Argentine to win the Ballon d’Or.
December 2009
Wins the inaugural Puskas Award for a stirring performance 40 yard target — The average speed of the ball is 64 miles per hour – Manchester United vs Porto.
July 2010
Argentina eliminated 2010 World Cup Eliminated by Germany in the quarterfinals. Messi was named in the Tournament XI but he has been accused of caring more about club than country.
April 2011
Time magazine named Messi one of the most influential people in the world The first year in two consecutive years.
March 2012
exist twenty four, He broke Barça’s scoring record and scored 91 goals in the same calendar year.
April 2014
Time magazine named Ronaldo the most 100 Most Influential People year.
July 2014
Argentina lost to Germany in the World Cup final. Messi created a record of the best player of the game four times in a single World Cup, and received the Golden Globe Award for the best player with excellent results. Seven goals.
November 2014
Messi becomes La Liga top scorer in history After scoring a hat-trick against Sevilla, he broke Telmozzara’s record of 251 goals.
The CR7 galaxy is named after the football star who, at the end of a season enjoying the most prolific season of his club career, scored 61 appearances in 54 games.
October 2015
Become Real Madrid’s all-time top scorer 324 goals. he ended his career in madrid 450 goals in just 438 games.
June 2016
Goal in the quarter-finals of the Centenary Copa America established his status Argentina’s all-time top scorer. He announced his national team retirement after La Albiceleste’s defeat in the final, a decision he overturned shortly thereafter at the request of the Argentine president.
July 2016
Won first major international trophy at European Championships in France but was carried away in tears after the match 25 minutes final.
initially sentenced 21 months Jailed for tax fraud, but escaped $2.3 million All right.Messi and his father Jorge Messi found guilty of defrauding Spain $4.6 million Between 2007 and 2009.
April 2017
Hat-trick against Bayern Munich, becoming the first player to score 100 Champions League goals.
March 2018
score his 100th Champions League goal, Reached the milestone in fewer games than Ronaldo. So far, only he and Ronaldo have scored at least 100 goals in the competition.
May 2018
first player Won the Champions League five times. He won his first title with Manchester United in 2008, before winning spells with Real Madrid in 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018.
June 2018
In Russia 2018, became the first person Score Eight Continuous participation in major international competitions.
July 2018
exist 33Ronaldo reportedly signs for Italian side Juventus $117 million transfer transaction.
October 2018
Kathryn Mayorga accused of rape, claims she was paid $375,000 A non-disclosure agreement was signed; the case was later dismissed. He denies the allegations.
July 2019
Messi is sent off with a red card 37 minutes America’s Cup playoffs.He refused to accept his third-place medal and was banned from international football for three months as well as $50,000 beautiful.
July 2021
August 2021
Return to Manchester United and complete the first season The club’s top scorer. After the explosive interview in November 2022, the relationship with the team fell apart.
on the sign two years A deal with France’s Paris Saint-Germain ended his long-term stint with Barca, with the Catalan club in financial trouble.
September 2021
Breaking international scoring record with two goals against Ireland 117 goals in 191 international appearances And cemented his status as an all-time great.
February 2022
first person to arrive 400000000 Instagram followers.
September 2022
win record No. 164 Argentina caps and points 90th international goal, Putting him third on the all-time men’s international scoring list.
November 2022
aim to win a First World Cup after four failed attempts. If he scores, he will become the first man to score in five World Cups. He needs three more goals to overtake Eusebio as Portugal’s all-time top scorer.
aim to win a First World Cup after four failed attempts. If he plays in Qatar, he will be in the elite squad, as only three previous players have played in five World Cups.
