Goals · 2026
2026: 27 vs 20.
In 2026, Lionel Messi scored 27 goals to Cristiano Ronaldo's 20 — a margin of 7 in Messi's favour.
What happened in 2026
Messi · 2026-06-16
Messi's first World Cup hat-trick
In Argentina's 3–0 group opener against Algeria in Kansas City, Messi scores the first World Cup hat-trick of his career — at what he had confirmed would be his final World Cup, aged 39.
Ronaldo · 2026-06-23
First man to score at six World Cups
Ronaldo scores twice in Portugal's 5–0 win over Uzbekistan, becoming the first player ever to score at six different World Cups and overtaking Eusébio as Portugal's all-time World Cup top scorer.
Ronaldo · 2026-07-02
Ronaldo's first World Cup knockout goal
A penalty against Croatia in the round of 32 is Ronaldo's first-ever World Cup knockout-stage goal. Portugal then go out to Spain in the round of 16 (Merino 90+1'), ending Ronaldo's sixth and final World Cup.
Both · 2026-07-19
Spain 1–0 Argentina — the last World Cup
Spain beat Argentina after extra time in the MetLife Stadium final (Ferran Torres 106') to win their second World Cup. It was the last World Cup for both Messi and Ronaldo.
Frequently asked
How many goals did Lionel Messi score in 2026?+
Lionel Messi scored 27 goals in the 2026 calendar year, playing for Inter Miami and Argentina. That is his 17th-highest scoring year on record.
How many goals did Cristiano Ronaldo score in 2026?+
Cristiano Ronaldo scored 20 goals in the 2026 calendar year, playing for Al Nassr and Portugal. That is his 21st-highest scoring year on record.
Who scored more goals in 2026, Messi or Ronaldo?+
Lionel Messi, by 7 goals (27 to 20). Between them they scored 47 goals in 2026.
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Keep readingPenalties
Career penalty totals, conversion percentages, knockout-stage spot kicks and the most defining penalties of Messi and Ronaldo's careers.
Career penalty totals, conversion percentages, knockout-stage spot kicks and the most defining penalties of Messi and Ronaldo's careers.
Hat-tricks
Career hat-trick totals for Messi and Ronaldo, broken down by competition, with the most notable hat-tricks of each player's career.
Career hat-trick totals for Messi and Ronaldo, broken down by competition, with the most notable hat-tricks of each player's career.
Efficiency
Goals per game broken down by club, plus the best single seasons of Messi and Ronaldo's careers and how they compare.
Goals per game broken down by club, plus the best single seasons of Messi and Ronaldo's careers and how they compare.