Lionel Messi’s arrival in Major League Soccer (MLS) revolutionized Inter Miami and increased the league’s overall competitiveness. To date in 2025, the Argentine has played in 47 competitive games and scored 39 goals, 37 of which came for Florida and two more international goals for Argentina.
Messi has become a decisive force with his creative role as well as his goal-scoring ability, and is one assist away from reaching 400 career goals. In 43 games for Inter Miami, he demonstrated his precision, vision and leadership, which were key to the team’s transformation and continue to elevate him to the status of the best football player in the world.
Lionel Messi takes Inter Miami to a new level
Cristiano Ronaldo shines in Saudi Arabia: numbers in Al Nasr and Portugal
On the other side of the world, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to enjoy a high-level season with Al Nasr and the Portuguese national team. In 2025, he has scored 33 goals in 37 games in all competitions, including 24 goals for Saudi clubs and 8 goals for his country. He also recently became the top scorer in FIFA World Cup qualifying history with 41 goals.
Cristiano’s ability to finish goalscoring plays is still there, and his presence continues to make a difference in both domestic and international competitions, as his attacking instincts and incredible physical condition make him a constant threat to opposing defenses.
Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo 2025: Goals, matches and effectiveness outside Europe
Although they no longer share the same league or play on the Old Continent, comparisons between both players are still inevitable. So far this year, Messi has played 10 more games than Ronaldo, but the Portuguese has a better average of goals per game.
Lionel Messi: 47 games – 39 goals Cristiano Ronaldo: 37 games – 33 goals
Lionel Messi stands out for his stability and versatility on the pitch, while Cristiano Ronaldo continues to maintain the ability to score goals with great efficiency. The 2025 season confirmed that both players are still in good form despite being in the twilight of their careers, maintaining elite numbers and delivering their best performances for the club.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent performance as the top scorer in FIFA World Cup qualifiers and Messi’s performance as the best assist provider in international football history show why these players seem to come from another planet, and above all why they are considered the legends and footballers who dominate the sport.
