Ronaldo 146 vs Messi 126: international goals comparison
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi occupy the centre of the international scoring debate in 2024, with Ronaldo credited with 146 goals and Messi with 126, as both men led Portugal and Argentina in major tournaments this year at Euro 2024 and Copa America 2024 respectively.
Two of the most prominent players of their generation, Ronaldo and Messi have sustained elite-level profiles for almost two decades. Their performances at club and international level have been a defining feature of modern football. That longevity kept both players prominent in global tournaments through 2024.
Portugal progressed at Euro 2024 via a penalty shootout win (3-0) against Slovenia, but Ronaldo, then a 39-year-old, produced an underwhelming campaign by his standards, registering just a single assist and no goals across five appearances. During extra time against Slovenia, his penalty was superbly saved by Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak. Portugal were eliminated from the competition after losing to France in the quarter-finals.
Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo has accumulated 146 goals in 234 caps for Portugal and holds the record for the most international goals scored by a male player. During his international career he has won three trophies with Portugal: the 2016 UEFA European Championship and the 2019 and 2025 UEFA Nations League.
Argentina produced a perfect group at Copa America 2024 with three wins, defeating Canada, Chile and Peru to top Group A, and they went on to win the tournament. Messi sustained a groin/thigh injury in the match against Chile and was an unused substitute in Argentina’s final group-game victory over Peru, a situation that put his chances of playing in the quarter-finals in a predicament.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi has scored 126 goals in 208 caps, making him Argentina’s all-time top scorer. Over his international career he has won three titles with Argentina: the 2021 and 2024 Copa America and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
With both players now in the twilight of their careers, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi would love to win another title with their respective countries in what could possibly be their last international tournament. For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.