The conversation repeats periodically. In bars, gatherings, social media, or family after-dinner talks. The eternal comparison between Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo continues to stir passions.
Although the reality is that there's less and less room for doubt. Beyond preferences, styles, or allegiances, there's an objective way to measure a footballer's greatness: the data. There, no matter how much some insist, a tie isn't possible.
Without penalties: the story changes radically
If penalties are removed from the equation, the first argument to fall is that of the insatiable scorer. Cristiano Ronaldo, who's based a large part of his numbers on shots from the penalty spot, clearly falls behind Messi when only open-play goals are counted.
The Argentine has scored more goals without penalties than the Portuguese in all major competitions. In the Champions League, in the league, in World Cups. It's a fact that disproves the "all-time top scorer" narrative if the details aren't clarified.
Assists: the vision that makes the difference
If scoring is already favorable ground for Messi on equal terms, the final pass is outright scandalous. Leo not only scores more without needing penalties, but he also assists much more.
His vision of the game, ability to link up, and precision make him a constant creator. A distributor of goal assists.
Cristiano has stood out for his finishing, his presence in the box, and his instinct. When it comes to creating for teammates, he's light-years behind Messi. It's the kind of fact that doesn't get highlighted enough, but that tips the scales in any serious comparison.
Free kicks: the art and the effectiveness
There's another area where Messi dominates overwhelmingly: free-kick goals. The Argentine has turned this technical gesture into a specialty.
Throughout his career, he's scored twice as many free-kick goals as Cristiano. He's done it, moreover, with an elegance that wins over the neutral fan.
That difference reveals not only individual technique, but also intelligence to choose the right moment and the perfect execution. In this area, the Portuguese has lost prominence over the years, while Leo has continued to sharpen his aim even more.
An unquestionable legend
Comparing is fine, as long as it's done rigorously. When all the relevant statistics are analyzed, Messi not only wins. He dominates.
Without penalties, with more assists, more free-kick goals, more team titles, and a style that captivates.
The debate will exist as long as both remain alive in soccer's memory. History, the one written in numbers, has already delivered its verdict.
The comparison that leaves no room for doubt
-More goals: Cristiano Ronaldo (938)
-More goals without penalties: Messi (764)
-More assists: Messi (386)
-More titles: Messi (48)
-Direct free-kick goals: Messi (69)
-Goals per minute: Messi (1 goal every 1 hr. 45 min. (105 min.))
-Shots needed to score: Messi (1 goal every 5.36 shots)
It's important to remember that these statistics, current as of today, come with 167 more matches played by Cristiano Ronaldo compared to Messi.
In fact, around Barcelona there's a meme that says "Lamine Yamal, at 17 years old, has achieved as many league titles, as many European Championships, and as many World Cups as Cristiano Ronaldo in his entire career."