Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo: How do the superstars compare after 1000 career games?

Even though seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi and five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristia Ronaldo may potentially be competing at ir final FIFA World Cups, two are still continuing to play at highest level. Messi has brilliantly led Argentine side to quarter-final at this edition of FIFA World Cup, while Ronaldo has opportunity to do so when Portugal faces Switzerland in Round of 16 on Tuesday.

With Messi playing his historic 1000th career game against Australia on Saturday, here is a look at how his and arch-rival Ronaldo's stats compare after this number of matches.

Lionel Messi vs Cristia Ronaldo stats after 1000 games

After 1000 career games, Argentine captain Lionel Messi has scored a staggering 789 goals and has contributed with 348 assists. More than 30 of trophies he has won during his historic career have been during his almost two-dece-long stint with Barcelona from 2004-05 to 2020-21.

In comparison, Portugal captain Cristia Ronaldo has scored 725 goals and contributed with 216 assists. While Messi (1137) has far more goal contributions than Ronaldo (941), Portuguese international has played for several teams and proved his worth in every league he has played in. 37-year-old has played for some of biggest clubs in world such as Manchester United, Real Mrid and Juventus, winning domestic league title on multiple occasions with each of se clubs.

While Lionel Messi vs Cristia Ronaldo debate among fans is likely to continue, it is fair to say that se two stars have been best of this generation. y have won 12 Ballon d'Ors just between m and have shared podium for greatest individual hour in football for more than a dece. With two stars likely to play ir final FIFA World Cup in Qatar, this may be final opportunity that fans can enjoy watching both toger on grandest st.