"Ronaldo is an international fraud" - Fans react as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi's international knockout stats come to light

Fans on X have blasted Cristiano Ronaldo for his low-goal contribution tally in international knockout games at major competitions compared to Lionel Messi. Many reckon the latter is now the GOAT given his superior record for Argentina when his nation has needed him the most.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have fiercely contested the GOAT debate for well over a decade, garnering a combined 13 Ballons d'Or. Both superstars have found success for Portugal and Argentina respectively, with the latter inspiring his side to 2022 FIFA World Cup glory.

Cristiano Ronaldo recently featured for A Selecao at Euro 2024. However, he had a disappointing campaign, providing just one assist in their group-stage fixture against Turkiye. The 39-year-old failed to get on the scoresheet in their five games. He was rendered helpless as Portugal were knocked out in the quarter-finals by France on penalties.

Meanwhile, Lionel Messi scored his first goal of the 2024 Copa America yesterday (July 9), helping Argentina defeat Canada 2-0 in the semi-finals to advance to the finals. The Inter Miami ace has now scored one goal and provided one assist in his four games.

ESPN posted a mindblowing statistic on social media conveying each megastar's record on the big stage. In the knockout stages of the World Cup and Copa America, Lionel Messi has scored 11 goals and provided 17 assists in 29 appearances. This includes a brilliant brace in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final where Argentina defeated France on penalties.

In contrast, Cristiano Ronaldo has amassed just three goals and two assists in 20 knockout games in the World Cup and Euros.

One fan reacted by posting:

"Ronaldo is an international Fraud"

Another fan typed:

"The GOAT is the GOAT for a reason. Ronaldo is an all timer, but Messi is built different."

Other reactions can be viewed below:

"Messi has always turned up for his country, but only start winning trophies in his 30s. Ronaldo has never turned up for Portugal in tournaments, he only statpad during friendlies and against countries like Luxembourg," one fan tweeted

"28 goal contributions in 29 knockout games is insane," one fan added

"How is this guy even in the GOAT comparison with Messi," one fan questioned

"Remember one plays as a midfielder and one plays as a striker! I know who my GOAT is," one fan posted

"The Ronaldo PR has been unbelievable. The fact that people can think that Ronaldo is comparable to Messi is nothing short of incredible," one fan chimed in

"On the biggest stages too," another posted

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Taking a look at Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi's international records

Lionel Messi may boast a superior international knockout record at major tournaments to Cristiano Ronaldo but the latter remains the highest goalscorer of all time in men's international football. So let's take a look at their stats to see how both superstars match up against one another:

Cristiano Ronaldo is the most-capped player in football history, netting 130 goals and providing 45 assists in 212 appearances across all competitions for Portugal. He has also won two trophies for his country - Euro 2016 and the 2019 Nations League.

On the other hand, Lionel Messi has scored 109 goals and provided 58 assists in 186 appearances across all competitions for Argentina. The 37-year-old has won three trophies - the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 Finalissima, and the World Cup. He could make it four should La Albiceleste win the 2024 Copa America final on July 14.