International Career
Argentina vs Portugal on the world stage
International career complete
Lionel Messi retired from international football in August 2026 after 21 years with Argentina, finishing with 126 goals, 69 assists and 208 caps — a World Cup, two Copa Américas, a Finalissima and Olympic gold. Cristiano Ronaldo remains active with Portugal. Read the full career breakdown →
Argentina
Lionel Messi
Goals 126
Assists 69
Caps 208
Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo
Goals 146
Assists 46
Caps 232
Head to Head
International Goals
126
vs
146
Leader LM10
CR7
International Assists
69
Leader vs
46
LM10
CR7
Caps
208
vs
232
Leader LM10
CR7
International Hat-tricks
10
vs
10
LM10
CR7
Tournament Achievements
Messi - Argentina
Winner FIFA World Cup 2022
Winner Copa America 2021
Winner Copa America 2024
Winner Finalissima 2022
Runner-up World Cup 2014
Runner-up Copa America 2007, 2015, 2016
Ronaldo - Portugal
Winner UEFA Euro 2016
Winner UEFA Nations League 2019
Runner-up Euro 2004
Semi-final World Cup 2006
International Career Comparison
| Category | Messi | vs | Ronaldo | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Goals | 126 | vs | 146 | Ronaldo 20 goal difference |
| International Assists | 69 | vs | 46 | Messi 23 assist difference |
| International Caps | 208 | vs | 232 | Ronaldo 24 match difference |
| World Cup Goals | 21 | vs | 11 | Messi |
| World Cup Titles | 1 | vs | 0 | Messi |
| Continental Titles | 2 Copa América | vs | 1 Euro + 1 Nations League | Tie |
| Hat-Tricks | 10 | vs | 10 | Tie |
| Minutes Played | 17,210 | vs | 18,494 | Ronaldo |