Lionel Messi
and
Cristiano Ronaldo
have matured like exquisite vintages, experiencing many of their greatest successes during the later parts of their careers – notably on the global stage with Argentina and Portugal respectively.
However, when considering these two epoch-making competitors, which one boasts a more remarkable global performance post reaching age thirty? To find out, we have analyzed their statistics closely.
Ronaldo’s statistics are extraordinary. Out of his career-best total of 136 international goals, an impressive 84 were netted following his 30th birthday.
Even if Ronaldo had made his debut only after turning 30, he would still rank as the eighth highest scorer in the history of international football.
Only Romelu Lukaku (88 goals for Belgium) and Robert Lewandowski (85 goals for Poland) have netted more times for European countries than Cristiano Ronaldo after turning 30, but they’ve had their whole careers to reach those totals.
The 40-year-old active legend from Real Madrid savored one of the most triumphant moments of his career when he was 31, leading Portugal to victory in the European Championships in 2016.
He had to leave the match prematurely due to an injury early in the final against France, but he supported his teammates from the sideline as they secured the cup with a closely contested 1-0 win over the host nation.
Three years later, Ronaldo secured the second international title of his career. After netting a hat-trick during the Nations League semifinals against Switzerland, he lifted the trophy following Portugal’s hard-fought 1-0 win over the Netherlands in the final match.
Messi is approximately two and a half years junior to Ronaldo, which means he hasn’t accumulated as many matches played after reaching 30 years old. Since his 30th birthday, he has participated in 28 less international games and has netted 30 fewer goals compared to Ronaldo.
However, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has notched more assists and has been more prolific in terms of goal contributions per minute, averaging a goal or assist every 82 minutes for Argentina since turning 30 compared to every 84 minutes for Ronaldo.
While Messi’s accomplishments post-30 extend well past mere statistics, one can only imagine how different his international career might have been in another timeline where these triumphs weren’t realized.
After losing to Chile in the 2016 Copa America final, Messi stated, ‘For me, the national team career is finished.’
I’ve taken every step possible. It pains me not to hold the title.
It marked Messi’s fourth significant final loss with Argentina, and he made the decision to retire from international football when he was 29 years old.
However, he quickly reversed that choice, a move that has left countless Argentinians perpetually grateful.
The Barcelona icon endured numerous disappointments in his early 30s, but things took a turn at the 2021 Copa América – where he celebrated his 34th birthday – as he led Argentina to their first significant trophy in 28 years.
Messi defied his age once again and emerged as an inspiring leader, earning the title of Player of the Tournament during that season. The next year, at 35 years old, he replicated this feat with La Albiceleste serving as their cornerstone as Argentina clinched the ultimate prize – the World Cup – held in Qatar.
Last summer, they achieved an unprecedented three consecutive titles, successfully defending their Copa America crown. Although Messi was not as dominant in this tournament, his leadership remained valuable during the event held in the United States.
Here’s how Messi’s and Ronaldo’s international records compare with each other following their 30th birthdays:
Lionel Messi
Games:
73
Goals:
54
Assists:
22
Penalties scored (taken):
12/15 (80% )
Free-kicks:
5
Hat-tricks:
4
Minutes per goal:
115
Minutes per non-penalty goal:
148
Time taken per goal or assist:
82
Awards Won – 4
– 2 x Copa América (2021, 2024)
– 1 x FIFA World Cup (2022)
– 1 x Finalissima (2022)
Cristiano Ronaldo
Games:
101
Goals:
84
Assists:
15
Penalties scored (taken):
18/25 (72%)
Free-kicks:
5
Hat-tricks:
6
Minutes per goal:
99
Minutes per non-penalty goal:
122
Time per goal or assist:
84
Trophies Won – 2:
– 1 UEFA European Championship title (2016)
– 1 x UEFA Nations League (2018-19)
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TRY A QUIZ:
The Great Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo Challenge: The definitive quiz to determine who boasts more goals, assists, titles…
