
Who Has More Trophies: Messi or Ronaldo?
Football fans have debated for over 15 years about who is greater: Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi. While skill, style, and influence are subjective, one measurable factor is trophies won. As of 2025, the question remains: who has more trophies, Messi or Ronaldo? This article provides a detailed breakdown of their club and international achievements, comparing Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in numbers, titles, and legacy.
Who Has More Trophies: Messi or Ronaldo?
The rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi is the most iconic in football history. Both players have dominated the sport, breaking records, winning titles, and pushing each other to new heights. Fans often ask: Who has won more trophies overall?
As of 2025, Lionel Messi has slightly more career trophies than Cristiano Ronaldo. However, both remain close, with their totals constantly updated as they continue playing in different leagues.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Trophy Count
Cristiano Ronaldo has built his career across five major clubs: Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al Nassr, in addition to his legendary international career with Portugal.
Club Trophies
- Sporting CP (Portugal): 1
- Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 2002
- Manchester United (England): 10
- Premier League: 3
- FA Cup: 1
- League Cup: 2
- FA Community Shield: 2
- UEFA Champions League: 1
- FIFA Club World Cup: 1
- Real Madrid (Spain): 16
- La Liga: 2
- Copa del Rey: 2
- Supercopa de España: 2
- UEFA Champions League: 4
- UEFA Super Cup: 3
- FIFA Club World Cup: 3
- Juventus (Italy): 5
- Serie A: 2
- Coppa Italia: 1
- Supercoppa Italiana: 2
- Al Nassr (Saudi Arabia): 2+
- Arab Club Champions Cup: 1
- Saudi Super Cup: 1
International Trophies (Portugal)
- UEFA Euro 2016
- UEFA Nations League 2019
Cristiano Ronaldo Total Trophies (as of 2025)
35+ major trophies (numbers vary depending on inclusion of regional tournaments).
Lionel Messi’s Trophy Count
Lionel Messi spent most of his career at Barcelona before moving to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and then Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. He has also found international success with Argentina in recent years.
Club Trophies
- Barcelona (Spain): 35
- La Liga: 10
- Copa del Rey: 7
- Supercopa de España: 8
- UEFA Champions League: 4
- UEFA Super Cup: 3
- FIFA Club World Cup: 3
- Paris Saint-Germain (France): 3
- Ligue 1: 2
- Trophée des Champions: 1
- Inter Miami (USA): 1+
- Leagues Cup: 1
International Trophies (Argentina)
- Copa America 2021
- Finalissima 2022
- FIFA World Cup 2022
Lionel Messi Total Trophies (as of 2025)
40+ major trophies, making him the most decorated player between the two.
Comparing Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi Trophy by Trophy
Category | Cristiano Ronaldo | Lionel Messi |
---|---|---|
Club Trophies | 34+ | 39+ |
International Trophies | 2 | 3 |
Total Trophies | 35+ | 40+ |
Key Insights:
- Cristiano Ronaldo has a more diverse career across multiple countries (England, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Saudi Arabia).
- Lionel Messi has more trophies overall, thanks largely to his dominance at Barcelona and Argentina’s recent international success.
- Ronaldo has the edge in UEFA Champions League titles (5 vs. Messi’s 4).
- Messi’s World Cup win in 2022 gave him a historical advantage.
How Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi Achieved Their Success
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Path
Cristiano Ronaldo’s career is built on discipline, adaptability, and relentless ambition. He has proven himself in multiple leagues, winning titles in England, Spain, Italy, and Saudi Arabia. His leadership with Portugal led to their first-ever international titles.
Lionel Messi’s Path
Lionel Messi’s journey is defined by natural talent, creativity, and vision. Spending two decades at Barcelona, he built one of the greatest dynasties in club football. His crowning moment came with Argentina’s World Cup 2022 win, cementing his legacy.
Beyond Trophies: Cristiano Ronaldo vs Messi Legacy
While trophies are important, the comparison between Ronaldo and Messi goes deeper:
- Cristiano Ronaldo is admired for his athleticism, work ethic, and leadership. He continues to inspire younger generations with his longevity.
- Lionel Messi is celebrated for his playmaking genius, dribbling, and artistic approach to football.
Both players have influenced millions and elevated the sport to new global heights.
Who Is More Successful in 2025?
If the discussion is purely about trophy count, Lionel Messi currently has the edge over Cristiano Ronaldo. However, if the debate considers career versatility, Champions League dominance, and impact across leagues, Cristiano Ronaldo makes a strong case.
The reality is that both are legends who pushed each other to greatness, and their rivalry will remain unmatched in sports history.
Conclusion: Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo Trophies
As of 2025:
- Cristiano Ronaldo: 35+ trophies, with titles in multiple countries and 5 Champions League medals.
- Lionel Messi: 40+ trophies, including a World Cup victory and unmatched success at Barcelona.
So, who has more trophies? Lionel Messi currently leads Cristiano Ronaldo, but both remain icons who defined an era of football.