Messi vs Ronaldo – What has 2025 been like for the two legends?

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been two of the most influential players of the past twenty years. They won thirteen Ballon d’Ors between them and dominated European club football between 2004 and 2022.

Their rivalry in La Liga became one of football’s fiercest matches, fueled by the added friction between Real Madrid (Ronaldo) and Barcelona (Messi).

Now the two icons have moved in different ways, with Ronaldo moving to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, while Messi moved to the United States and joined Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS).

As 2025 draws to a close, Sports stars looks at what the year has been like for Ronaldo and Messi:

FOR CLUB AND COUNTRY:

IN INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL:

IN CLUB FOOTBALL:

HONOURS: MESSI vs. RONALDO

Lionel Messi:

• MLS golden boot

• MLS Cup (with Inter Miami)

• MLS Most Valuable Player

• Presidential Medal of Freedom, United States

Christiano Ronaldo:

• UEFA Nations League 2024-25 (with Portugal)

• Award for the best player of all time in the Primeira Liga

• Golden Boot from the Saudi Pro League

• UEFA Nations League Finals Top Scorer (shared)

*All statistics used from Transfermarkt.co.in

Published on December 25, 2025