How far is Messi from Ronaldo's historic top scorer title?
It was one of the biggest competitions in the history of modern football around the world. For nearly 10 years, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been engaged in a rivalry that ultimately works for both as the latter makes the other raise his or her own. They are always trying to achieve something more and are not satisfied with what they have achieved.
Now, although no longer playing for Barcelona and Real Madrid, both are fighting for a common goal: to claim the throne for the title of top scorer in the sport's history.
In the race to reach that privileged mark, Ronaldo is leading. The Portuguese striker with Al Nassr has a total of 844 goals. He accomplished this feat during his 21-year professional career, which included 1,173 matches.
But Messi does not give up but is chasing after 816 goals, which means a difference of 28 goals. Of course, the Argentinian has less than 2 years of experience (playing in the top flight 19 years) and less than 135 games (1,034), but even so, he has a better goal-per-game ratio.
Messi's advantage over Ronaldo in the battle for the top scorer of all time is that he is 2 years younger (36 compared to 38) and could theoretically prolong his career. From the way La Pulga immediately burst onto the scene at Inter Miami with eight goals in six games, everything indicates that Messi will have a prolific scoring record during his time in the MLS to hopefully surpass CR7.
Cristiano Ronaldo: 844 goals in 1173 games
Lionel Messi: 816 goals in 1034 games
Josef Bican: 805 goals in 530 games
Romario: 772 goals in 963 games
Pele: 757 goals in 812 games