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The comparison between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi is an endless one. Both players have consistently produced brilliant performances, which have seen them become the best of their generation. But, statistics might give us an insight on who is better.
Messi (25) has made two more appearances than Ronaldo this season. When it comes to the scoring aspect, the Portuguese international leads by a margin of four goals having scored 27 as compared the Argentine’s 23. However, ten of Ronaldo’s goals have come through penalties whereas Messi has scored 0 from the spot.
Lionel Messi has been leading the weak footed goals tally having scored 11 compared to Ronaldo’s five.
When it comes to assisting, both players are equal with 10 each. But, a deeper look into that shows Messi edges his rival out having provided 57 key passes compared to Ronaldo’s 36. Even in terms of chances created, the Barcelona forward leads with 67 as compare to 46.
The statistics also indicate that Messi makes more forward passes, 1491 and 845. When it comes to successful dribbles, Messi has pulled off 123 as compared to Ronaldo’s 42. However, Ronaldo is much more prolific in the air, winning 52 % of his duels compared to Messi’s 52 %.
When it comes to shooting, Ronaldo has had 139 shots on goal to Messi’s 117. But, Messi converts 23 % of his shots compared to his rival’s 17%.
| 2014/15 season (La Liga and Champions League) | Lionel Messi | Cristiano Ronaldo |
|---|---|---|
| Apps | 25 | 23 |
| Minutes Played | 2180 | 2041 |
| Scoring | ||
| Goals (exluding Penalties) | 27 | 23 |
| Penalty goals | 0 | 10 |
| Weak footed goals | 11 | 5 |
| Headed goals | 3 | 4 |
| From outside the area | 2 | 2 |
| Direct Free-kick goals | 1 | 0 |
| Tap-ins | 5 | 7 |
| Play-making | ||
| Assists | 10 | 10 |
| Key Passes | 57 | 36 |
| Chances created | 67 | 46 |
| Passing | ||
| Pass Completion | 84% | 82% |
| Total Passes | 1491 | 845 |
| % of forward passes | 57% | 43% |
| Duels | ||
| Successful Dribbles | 123 | 42 |
| Successful Dribbles % | 54% | 50% |
| Aerial Duels won | 9 | 34 |
| Aerial Duels won % | 41% | 52% |
| Tackles won | 19 | 1 |
| Fouls suffered | 50 | 34 |
| Fouls commited | 17 | 15 |
| Shooting | ||
| Total shots | 117 | 139 |
| On Target accuracy | 61 | 71 |
| Goal Conversion rate | 23% | 17% |
