Goals · 2008
2008: 38 vs 53.
In 2008, Cristiano Ronaldo scored 53 goals to Lionel Messi's 38 — a margin of 15 in Ronaldo's favour.
Cristiano Ronaldo · 2008
53
goals — his 8th-best scoring year
Played for Manchester United and Portugal.
Seasons overlapping 2008
Ronaldo · 2007–08 · Man United
42 goals in 49 games
Premier League + first Champions League. First Ballon d'Or.
What happened in 2008
Both · 2008-02-26
The first meeting
Messi and Ronaldo share a pitch for the first time: a 0–0 draw in the Champions League semi-final first leg, Manchester United vs Barcelona at Old Trafford.
Ronaldo · 2008-05-21
Ronaldo's first Champions League
Manchester United beat Chelsea on penalties in Moscow. Ronaldo scores in the final and ends as the season's top scorer.
Ronaldo · 2008-12-02
Ronaldo's first Ballon d'Or
Wins the 2008 Ballon d'Or after a 42-goal season at United. Messi finishes second.
Frequently asked
How many goals did Lionel Messi score in 2008?+
Lionel Messi scored 38 goals in the 2008 calendar year, playing for Barcelona and Argentina. That is his 13th-highest scoring year on record.
How many goals did Cristiano Ronaldo score in 2008?+
Cristiano Ronaldo scored 53 goals in the 2008 calendar year, playing for Manchester United and Portugal. That is his 8th-highest scoring year on record.
Who scored more goals in 2008, Messi or Ronaldo?+
Cristiano Ronaldo, by 15 goals (38 to 53). Between them they scored 91 goals in 2008.
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