How many times have Messi and Ronaldo played each other?

The rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo has become one of the greatest stories in football history. These two great players have had unforgettable confrontations, each time they met, they brought dramatic moves and classy goals. The question “how many times have messi and ronaldo played each other?” always attracts the attention of fans, because each clash between them is a top match. Let’s find out with Premiumsoccertips.net through the article below!

History of confrontation between two legends Messi and Ronaldo

Messi vs Ronaldo Head-to-Head History

Throughout their careers, Messi and Ronaldo have faced each other a total of 36 times. Of those, Messi has won 16 times, while Ronaldo has won 11 times. The two have also drawn 9 times, showing the balance between these two top stars.

Although the head-to-head results are slightly in Messi’s favor, each match between them has had unforgettable moments. Messi, with his natural talent and impressive scoring ability, has scored a total of 22 goals in these encounters. Meanwhile, Ronaldo is not far behind with 21 goals. This is a clear testament to the superiority and limitless talent of both players.

How many times have Messi and Ronaldo played each other?

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have faced each other in official matches a total of 36 times. This includes matches between Barcelona and Real Madrid, as well as international matches between Argentina and Portugal. Among them, Messi and Ronaldo have met in La Liga matches, the Spanish Super Cup, and European competitions.

1. Barcelona 2-0 Manchester United (27 May 2009)

This match marked the first time Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo faced each other in a Champions League final. At the Olympico Stadium in Rome, the two giants of European football played out a thrilling encounter. Barcelona, led by Pep Guardiola, completely dominated the match. Although Manchester United, with Ronaldo in the squad, did everything to defend their title, Messi and his teammates did not miss their chance. Messi scored the winning goal 2-0 with a brilliant header, helping Barcelona lift their second Champions League trophy in history. This was one of those historic moments where Messi proved himself to be one of the greatest players ever, and also confirmed Barcelona’s position at that time.

2. Barcelona 0-1 Real Madrid (AET) (20 April 2011)

The 2011 Copa del Rey final between Barcelona and Real Madrid was one of the most tense and dramatic confrontations. This was one of the rare times that Cristiano Ronaldo won against Lionel Messi in a direct match. After 90 minutes of goalless play, the match had to be extended to extra time. It was Ronaldo who scored the decisive goal, with a precise header, bringing a 1-0 victory to Real Madrid. For Ronaldo, this was his first victory in an El Clasico since joining Real Madrid, and the first time Real Madrid had won the Copa del Rey in many years.

3. Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid (17 August 2011)

In the 2011 Spanish Super Cup, the match between Barcelona and Real Madrid at Camp Nou became one of the most memorable confrontations. This match brought sublime emotions to Barcelona fans when Messi scored the decisive goal in the final minutes, helping the Catalan team win 3-2. Although Ronaldo also scored in this match and showed his ability, Messi’s decisive shot brought joy to the home team. This is a testament to Messi’s brilliance in decisive moments, and also shows the drama in El Clasico matches.

4. Barcelona 1-2 Real Madrid – 21 April 2012

With the La Liga title hanging in the balance, Madrid travelled to the Camp Nou four points clear of their rivals, knowing that a defeat would allow Barca to get back into the Spanish title race. However, Ronaldo ensured the capital club could relax as they headed into their final three games of the campaign.

An unlikely goalscorer put the visitors ahead, with Sami Khedira putting Madrid ahead after just 17 minutes in Barcelona. However, that advantage was erased in the second half, as Alexis Sanchez scored with 20 minutes to go.

However, any hopes Barca had were quickly snuffed out by Ronaldo as the striker fired the ball past Victor Valdes after a through ball from Mesut Ozil. The Portuguese celebrated in his famous ‘keep your cool’ style after scoring the decisive goal.

The result ensured Madrid moved seven points clear at the top of the table and Mourinho’s side held their nerve in the final games to secure their first La Liga title in four years.

5. Real Madrid 3-4 Barcelona – 23 March 2014

In the highest-scoring clash between Messi and Ronaldo, it was Messi who enjoyed the bragging rights at the Bernabeu. With both sides battling Atletico Madrid for the La Liga title, this proved to be a pivotal encounter in the race.

Iniesta had given Barca a quick lead in the capital with his powerful left-foot strike, but Benzema’s double in four minutes had put the hosts in control with 24 minutes on the clock. Messi levelled just before the break, though, the ball falling to the Argentine for a typically calm finish with the players in front of him.

Head-to-head record between Messi and Ronaldo

Ronaldo won a penalty for Madrid after the break – although the foul may have actually taken place outside the area – and scored the decisive goal to restore his side’s advantage. But, unsurprisingly, Sergio Ramos was sent off seven minutes later, for fouling Neymar in the box as the Brazilian charged towards goal.

Messi converted the subsequent penalty as Barca began to dominate Madrid’s ten-man side, with a very soft penalty awarded to the visitors just eight minutes from time. Messi stepped up from 12 yards out, making no mistake as he completed his hat-trick on the big stage.

The result may have been a positive for Barca, but it ultimately benefited Real Madrid’s cross-town rivals Atletico, who went on to win the title by three points.

6. Barcelona 0-3 Juventus (December 8, 2020)

The last encounter between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo took place in the 2020 Champions League group stage. This match took place at Camp Nou, but the result was not as expected for the home team. Ronaldo’s Juventus easily overcame Barcelona with a 3-0 victory. Ronaldo scored twice from the penalty spot, while Messi and his teammates could not create any breakthroughs. This was the last time these two superstars faced each other directly, marking the end of a dramatic and memorable chapter in football history. This match was also an important milestone, as it reflected the transformation of both teams, with Barcelona starting to feel the change in a new era without Messi’s dominance.

These matches are not only a competition between two football stars but also reflect the endless appeal of El Clasico, Champions League, and the uncompromising confrontations between top teams. Each confrontation brings unforgettable memories and contributes to enriching the history of world football.

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In Conclusion

So through the above article, you have learned how many times have messi and ronaldo played each other? The competition between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo has created unforgettable moments in football history. The direct confrontations between these two superstars, from the Champions League final to the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey, always bring drama and excitement. Although each has their own victories, both Messi and Ronaldo have left a strong impression on the hearts of fans. This competition is not only a race between two individuals, but also a testament to their great influence on world football.