The debate over who is the greatest footballer of all time often circles back to two names: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. For nearly two decades, they have dominated the sport, shattering records and redefining what’s possible on the pitch. While their playing styles differ, their relentless pursuit of victory is identical. A key measure of their success, and a frequent topic of discussion among fans, is their incredible collection of Messi vs Ronaldo trophies .
Comparing their trophy cabinets is more than just a numbers game. It’s a journey through the history of modern football, touching on the most prestigious competitions at both the club and international levels. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the Messi vs Ronaldo trophy count, offering a clear and detailed comparison of their team and individual honors. By the end, you’ll have a complete picture of what each player has won and how their collections stack up against each other.
Lionel Messi: A Legacy of Trophies
Lionel Messi’s career is a story of unparalleled success, primarily with FC Barcelona, where he became the club’s greatest-ever player. His trophy haul is a testament to his consistent brilliance and his ability to lead his teams to victory.
Club Trophies
Messi’s time at Barcelona was a golden era for the Catalan club. Alongside legendary teammates like Xavi and Iniesta, he conquered Spain and Europe repeatedly.
- La Liga (10): Messi’s dominance in Spain’s top flight is undeniable. He led Barcelona to ten league titles, establishing them as the team to beat for over a decade.
- Copa del Rey (7): He has also found consistent success in Spain’s primary domestic cup competition.
- Supercopa de España (8): Messi has won this trophy, contested between the La Liga and Copa del Rey winners, eight times.
- UEFA Champions League (4): The pinnacle of European club football, Messi has lifted the iconic Champions League trophy four times, with memorable performances in several finals.
- UEFA Super Cup (3): Following Champions League victories, his teams went on to win the Super Cup three times.
- FIFA Club World Cup (3): As champions of Europe, Messi’s Barcelona asserted their global dominance by winning the Club World Cup on three occasions.
After leaving Barcelona, Messi added to his collection with Paris Saint-Germain:
- Ligue 1 (2): He won the French league title in both of his seasons with PSG.
- Trophée des Champions (1): The French equivalent of the Supercopa, won in 2022.
Most recently, with Inter Miami in the United States:
- Leagues Cup (1): Messi made an immediate impact in American soccer, leading his new team to their first-ever trophy.
International Trophies
For many years, a major international trophy with Argentina was the one thing missing from Messi’s collection. He triumphantly filled that gap late in his career.
- FIFA World Cup (1): In 2022, Messi achieved his ultimate dream, captaining Argentina to World Cup glory in a thrilling final against France.
- Copa América (1): He led Argentina to victory in 2021, ending the nation’s 28-year wait for a major international title.
- CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions (Finalissima) (1): Messi’s Argentina defeated European champions Italy in 2022.
- Olympic Gold Medal (1): He won gold with the Argentinian Olympic team in 2008.
Cristiano Ronaldo: A Champion Across Europe
Cristiano Ronaldo’s career path is different from Messi’s, marked by success at multiple top clubs in different European leagues. He has proven his ability to adapt and conquer wherever he goes, from England to Spain and Italy.
Club Trophies
Ronaldo’s journey began at Manchester United, where he evolved from a flashy winger into a world-class goalscorer.
- Premier League (3): He was a key figure in a dominant Manchester United side that won three consecutive league titles.
- FA Cup (1): He won England’s most famous cup competition early in his time at the club.
- Football League Cup (2): He also secured two League Cup victories.
- FA Community Shield (1): The English season’s curtain-raiser.
- UEFA Champions League (1): His first Champions League title came in 2008 with United.
- FIFA Club World Cup (1): He followed up the Champions League win with a Club World Cup title.
His move to Real Madrid saw him reach new heights and engage in a direct, historic rivalry with Messi’s Barcelona.
- La Liga (2): While facing a formidable Barcelona, Ronaldo won two league titles.
- Copa del Rey (2): He also has two Spanish cups to his name.
- Supercopa de España (2):
- UEFA Champions League (4): Ronaldo’s time at Madrid is most defined by his incredible success in Europe, winning four titles, including three consecutively from 2016 to 2018.
- UEFA Super Cup (3):
- FIFA Club World Cup (3):
After conquering Spain, Ronaldo took on a new challenge in Italy with Juventus.
- Serie A (2): He won the Italian league title in his first two seasons.
- Coppa Italia (1):
- Supercoppa Italiana (2):
Ronaldo also has a trophy from his time in Saudi Arabia with Al Nassr:
- Arab Club Champions Cup (1): He led his team to victory in this regional competition.
International Trophies
Like Messi, Ronaldo has also achieved significant success with his national team, Portugal, leading them to their first-ever major trophies.
- UEFA European Championship (1): In 2016, Ronaldo captained Portugal to a historic Euro victory, a defining moment for the nation.
- UEFA Nations League (1): He was part of the squad that won the inaugural Nations League in 2019.
The Final Count: Who Has Won More Trophies?
When we tally up the major honors for both club and country, the numbers are incredibly close, reflecting their neck-and-neck race for greatness over the years.
| Trophy Category | Lionel Messi | Cristiano Ronaldo |
|---|---|---|
| Club Trophies | 39 | 33 |
| International Trophies | 4 | 2 |
| Total Major Trophies | 43 | 35 |
Based on the numbers, Lionel Messi currently has more major trophies than Cristiano Ronaldo, with a total of 43 to Ronaldo’s 35. Messi’s extensive success at Barcelona accounts for a large portion of his lead.
It’s also worth noting the individual awards each has won, as they supplement their team achievements. The most famous is the Ballon d’Or, awarded to the world’s best player each year. Messi has won it a record 8 times, while Ronaldo has won it 5 times.
The Ultimate Verdict
The trophy count provides a clear statistical answer: Lionel Messi has accumulated more major honors in his career than Cristiano Ronaldo. His long and decorated spell at a single club, FC Barcelona, allowed him to build a staggering collection of domestic and continental titles.
However, the numbers don’t tell the entire story. Ronaldo’s supporters will rightly point to his success across four different countries and his record five Champions League titles—one more than Messi. His ability to lead different teams to glory is a unique and powerful argument in his favor.
Ultimately, the debate over which player is “better” will likely never be settled. Both Messi and Ronaldo have left an indelible mark on football, and their respective trophy cabinets are proof of their enduring greatness. The real winners are the fans who have had the privilege of watching these two legends compete at the pinnacle of the sport for so long.
