Messi vs Ronaldo: Stats After Leaving Europe

Comparing the Stats of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi Since Leaving Europe

Since leaving Europe in 2023, both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have continued to make their mark on the global football stage. While their paths have taken them to different leagues, their performances have remained exceptional. This article delves into the statistical comparison between the two legendary players since they made the move away from European football.

Ronaldo’s Performance in Saudi Arabia

Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr at the beginning of 2023, and it didn’t take long for him to adapt to his new environment. He quickly became a key player for the club, scoring 14 goals in 16 league appearances during the second half of the season. His performance was so impressive that he became one of the standout players in the league.

During the 2023-24 season, Ronaldo achieved his best scoring campaign since leaving Europe, netting an astonishing 50 goals across all competitions. In the calendar year of 2023 alone, he outperformed other top scorers like Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappé.

In the following season, Ronaldo maintained his strong form, scoring 35 goals in 41 appearances for Al-Nassr. Despite being away from European football, he has not lost his touch on the international stage, scoring 20 goals for Portugal since January 2023.

Messi’s Journey with Inter Miami

Lionel Messi followed Ronaldo’s lead by leaving Europe later in 2023, departing from PSG after the 2022-23 campaign. He joined Inter Miami, where he has continued to thrive. In 63 appearances, Messi has scored 50 goals, showcasing his ability to perform at the highest level even in a new league.

At the club level, Messi has also won more silverware than Ronaldo since moving to the United States. He has secured the Leagues Cup and Supporters’ Shield with Inter Miami. On the international stage, he has maintained his consistency, contributing 14 goal-related actions in his last 18 appearances for Argentina.

Both players have also added to their international trophy collections. Messi won the Copa America in 2024, while Ronaldo claimed the Nations League earlier this year.

Contract Situations and Future Plans

Despite being in the latter stages of their careers, neither Ronaldo nor Messi shows any signs of retiring soon. Ronaldo recently signed a new two-year contract with Al-Nassr, extending his stay until 2027. Meanwhile, Messi is set to be out of contract at the end of 2025 but has expressed his intention to continue playing until at least the next World Cup.

Statistical Breakdown

When comparing their stats since leaving Europe, several key differences emerge:

Ronaldo’s Stats:
– Games: 136
– Goals: 119
– Assists: 23
– Goal Contributions: 142
– Penalties: 29
– Free-kicks: 6
– Minutes per Goal: 99.7
– Minutes per Non-Penalty Goal: 131.8
– Minutes per Goal or Assist: 83.5

Messi’s Stats:
– Games: 81
– Goals: 59
– Assists: 28
– Goal Contributions: 87
– Penalties: 2
– Free-kicks: 6
– Minutes per Goal: 109.8
– Minutes per Non-Penalty Goal: 113.6
– Minutes per Goal or Assist: 74.4

Key Takeaways

While Ronaldo has scored 60 more goals than Messi since leaving Europe, he has played significantly more matches and taken more penalties. On the other hand, Messi has the advantage in assists, producing five more than Ronaldo despite playing 55 fewer games. Both players continue to demonstrate their world-class abilities, proving that age is just a number when it comes to football greatness.