Cristiano Ronaldo misses out on another trophy with Al Nassr: How many career titles does Lionel Messi have?

Cristiano Ronaldo, with a goal from the penalty spot, couldn’t help Al Nassr win the 2025 Saudi Super Cup trophy, as they were defeated by Al-Ahli 5-3 (penalty shootout) in the final on Sunday. Ronaldo was looking for his first trophy in Saudi Arabia to try to close the gap with Lionel Messi’s all-time haul of silverware.

The Argentine star has lifted 46 trophies, while Ronaldo boasts 35 titles. They both are the most decorated players of all time, demonstrating that their rivalry has been one of the most prolific in soccer history.

Ronaldo’s first title came with Manchester United in 2004, when he won the FA Cup just two years after making his senior debut with Sporting CP. During his time at Old Trafford, he went on to collect two League Cups, three Premier League titles, and the first of his five Champions League crowns. He later enjoyed unprecedented European dominance with Real Madrid, where he added four more Champions League trophies to his name.

Messi, meanwhile, has built a staggering collection of 46 trophies across his spells with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami, and the Argentina national team. He edges Ronaldo in league titles, with 13 over seven of the Portuguese, while Ronaldo has one more Champions League title.

Messi’s last big title with Argentina was the 2024 Copa America (Getty Images)

Beyond club success, Messi’s crowning achievement came in 2022, when he lifted the FIFA World Cup with Argentina, adding to his two Copa America titles, one Finalissima, and youth-level triumphs at the 2005 U20 World Cup and the 2008 Olympics. With Portugal, Ronaldo has won two UEFA Nations League titles, and the 2016 Euros.

An epic rivalry

While Messi currently leads Ronaldo by 10 official trophies, the debate between the two extends far beyond silverware. Messi has claimed eight Ballon d’Or awards compared to Ronaldo’s five, while both continue to break records deep into their late thirties.

On the other hand, when it comes to goals, the Portuguese star remains the soccer player with the all-time record (now 939), while Messi has the all-time assist record (389). With Ronaldo still chasing glory in Saudi Arabia and Messi pushing the limits of football in the United States, their rivalry remains one of the greatest stories in sports history.