Lionel Messi recently added two goals against New England, bringing his total career tally to 870, reigniting discussions about whether the Argentine star can surpass Cristiano Ronaldo’s legendary scoring record or even reach the 1000 goal milestone first. Messi’s remarkable career goal count continues to fuel comparisons with Ronaldo, who remains the all-time leading scorer in football history with an impressive 938 goals.
Cristiano Ronaldo, a Portuguese icon known for his prolific scoring ability, has accumulated his goals through numerous top-tier leagues and for his national team. His career spans Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and currently Al Nassr, showcasing remarkable adaptability and longevity in different football cultures and competitions.
A Closer Look at Cristiano Ronaldo’s Pursuit of 1000 Goals
Ronaldo’s tally consists of 938 goals scored in 1,280 matches. His scoring highlights include 763 goals from open play, 175 from penalties, and 68 direct free-kick goals, illustrating his versatility across different scoring situations. His scoring rate of approximately 0.73 goals per game, combined with his contributions every 88 minutes on average, underline his consistent offensive impact. Also notable are his 151 headed goals and 175 goals scored with his weaker foot, emphasizing his all-around ability to find the back of the net.
Currently competing in the Saudi Pro League with Al Nassr, Ronaldo has netted 99 goals in 111 matches, maintaining an impressive rate of roughly 0.89 goals per game. To reach the 1000-goal milestone, he requires 62 more goals, a target achievable within two to three years if he sustains his scoring frequency and continues playing at a high level. This projection places Ronaldo on track to possibly hit this landmark by mid-to-late 2026, potentially prior to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite this, Ronaldo has recently expressed a mindset focused more on enjoying each moment rather than fixating on reaching 1000 goals.
Can Lionel Messi Surpass Ronaldo and Reach 1000 Goals?
Lionel Messi, at 38 years old and playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS), remains a formidable force both as a goal scorer and playmaker. This season, Messi has scored 27 goals and assisted 8 times in 35 appearances, averaging a goal every 105.3 minutes. His record-breaking performance at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, where he scored against Porto to become the competition’s all-time leading scorer with 25 goals (surpassing Ronaldo’s 7), underlines his continued excellence on the global stage.
With 870 goals scored in 1,111 matches, Messi trails Ronaldo by 68 goals but boasts a marginally higher goals-per-game ratio, demonstrating his efficiency. To match Ronaldo’s current 938-goal count, Messi must score an additional 68 goals, and should Ronaldo reach the 1000-goal mark, Messi would need 130 goals to equal that. At his 2024-2025 scoring pace of roughly 0.77 goals per game, this implies Messi would require between 88 and 170 matches to bridge the gap.
Several elements complicate Messi’s pursuit. Although he is two years younger than Ronaldo, meaning potentially more playing time, concerns over injuries have limited his recent availability. Moreover, competing in MLS, which typically features fewer matches and a lower competitive level compared to the Saudi Pro League or European leagues, could restrict his cumulative opportunities to increase his tally quickly. Given these factors, catching Ronaldo’s goal count soon remains a difficult challenge for Messi, though it is not out of the realm of possibility if he maintains fitness and focus.
Comparing Styles, Longevity, and Future Prospects
Ronaldo’s career has been marked by extraordinary consistency and the ability to score across diverse leagues with different tactical demands, which has helped him accumulate more appearances and goals. His physical conditioning and resilience have enabled him to maintain a high goal-scoring rate well into his late 30s and early 40s.
Messi’s game revolves around creativity and technical brilliance, combining goal-scoring with exceptional playmaking abilities. His role often extends beyond pure finishing, involving orchestrating attacks and setting up teammates, which can influence overall stats differently from Ronaldo’s primarily goal-focused contributions. However, Messi’s recent form shows he remains a lethal finisher and the ability to keep pace in this scoring race depends heavily on his health and match time availability.
What the Ultimate Scoring Race Means for Football
The competition between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to reach 1000 goals epitomizes an era of football dominated by two of the greatest players in history. Their achievements have pushed the boundaries of what is possible and inspired countless fans and aspiring footballers worldwide.
The race to the 1000-goal landmark represents more than personal glory; it signifies sustained excellence over decades and the evolution of football’s attacking prowess. Whichever player reaches it first will cement a legacy that may stand unmatched for generations, influencing debates and shaping history long after their playing days end.
As both stars approach this monumental achievement, football enthusiasts around the globe remain captivated, hopeful, and eager to witness the next chapters in this extraordinary rivalry.