4 Unique Messi Records Which May Elude Ronaldo

Modified Dec 30, 2019 12:30 GMT

# 4: 6th Ballon d'Or

Messi poses with his record 6 Ballon d'Or trophies

Lionel Messi broke a tie with Cristiano Ronaldo for most Ballon d'Or trophies (5 apiece), when the diminutive Argentinian won his 6th Ballon d'Or in 2019.

While Messi continues to score prolifically in all competitions, Ronaldo's goal scoring returns have dipped since moving to Juventus at the start of the 2018-19 season. The Portuguese striker had his lowest tally of season league goals in 2018-19, when his 21 Serie A goals fell 5 short of Capocannoniere winner Fabio Quagliarella.

In 2019, Ronaldo scored 39 goals for club and country which was a tally exceeded by 4 other players. Considering Ronaldo's advancing age and diminishing returns in front of goal, coupled with the fact that the Portugal captain hasn't won the Ballon d'Or since 2017, it is perhaps safe to presume that a 6th Ballon d'Or may be beyond Ronaldo's reach.

About the author

Bhargav is a veteran sports journalist and editor at Sportskeeda, with a rich professional experience of 17 years, working for the likes of Siemens and Bombay Dyeing. An avid football and tennis follower for over three decades, Bhargav uses his vast knowledge and experience, attention to detail, an unbiased yet interesting writing style, and thorough research to craft insightful articles, which have raked in over 18 million reads so far.

Bhargav supports Italy at national level, a team steeped in tradition and history according to him. He still harbors the heartbreak from the Azzurri’s 1994 FIFA World Cup final defeat against Brazil, and protagonist-turned-antagonist from the game, ‘Divine Ponytail’ Roberto Baggio is his all-time favorite player. His favorite manager is Marcelo Lippi, who ended Italy’s 24-year wait for the World Cup trophy, winning it in 2006.

Outside Europe’s top five leagues, he follows the MLS following Lionel Messi’s move in 2023 but favors Cristiano Ronaldo in the G.O.A.T. debate. During his free time, Bhargav enjoys driving off to new places and singing.

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Edited by Joseph Solomon