Both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have enjoyed lengthy World Cup careers.
Ronaldo will represent Portugal at his sixth World Cup in 2026. Messi is also appearing at his sixth World Cup in 2026.
With Argentina, Messi captured an elusive World Cup title four years ago in Qatar. Ronaldo has yet to win a World Cup title with Portugal and has yet to play in a semifinal.
This year, Ronaldo’s Portugal is to win the World Cup. Messi’s Argentina is to repeat as World Cup winners.
In terms of individual awards, Ronaldo is to win the Golden Boot and to win the Golden Ball.
Messi, the 2014 & 2022 Golden Ball winner, is to repeat and to lead the tournament in goals.
Read More: 2026 FIFA World Cup Awards Odds
Ronaldo vs Messi Stats: World Cup
Ronaldo has played 22 matches over six World Cups. Over that span, he contributed eight goals and two assists for Portugal.
Half of his eight goals came at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. He scored a hat trick against Spain in a 3-3 draw and finished T-2nd in the Golden Boot race.
Messi leads all players with 26 appearances at the World Cup. He qualifies as the only player to win the Golden Ball twice since the tournament’s inception in 1930.
Over six World Cups, Messi contributed 21 goal involvements. His eight assists place him T-1st with fellow Argentine Diego Maradona.
Of his 13 goals over five World Cups, Messi scored seven in 2022. Despite posting his best individual performance, he finished second in the Golden Boot race to Kylian Mbappe.
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