Few debates in football history have captured the world’s imagination like the rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
For nearly two decades, the Portuguese superstar and the Argentine magician pushed each other to extraordinary heights, particularly in the UEFA Champions League.
Their goals, records, and moments of brilliance turned Europe’s premier competition into their personal playground, sparking endless comparisons over who truly deserves the title of the greatest of all time.
Even though both players are now away from European football—Ronaldo starring for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia and Messi dazzling fans at Inter Miami in the United States—their legacies in the ChampionsLeague remain an everlasting part of their careers.
Who Has More Champions League Messi or Ronaldo?
Cristiano Ronaldo holds the edge over Lionel Messi when it comes to UEFA Champions League titles.
The Portuguese forward has lifted the trophy five times, compared to Messi’s four.
Ronaldo’s triumphs include one with Manchester United in 2008 and four with Real Madrid during their golden era.
Messi, meanwhile, secured all four of his Champions League titles with Barcelona.
His first came in 2006, though he did not play in the final against Arsenal.
He then became a central figure in Barcelona’s European dominance, winning in 2009, 2011, and 2015.
Read also: How many players have five UEFA Champions League?
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Champions League Titles
| Season | Club | Opponent in Final | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007/08 | Manchester United | Chelsea | 1-1 (6-5 pens) |
| 2013/14 | Real Madrid | Atlético Madrid | 4-1 (AET) |
| 2015/16 | Real Madrid | Atlético Madrid | 1-1 (5-3 pens) |
| 2016/17 | Real Madrid | Juventus | 4-1 |
| 2017/18 | Real Madrid | Liverpool | 3-1 |
Lionel Messi’s Champions League Titles
| Season | Club | Opponent in Final | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005/06 | Barcelona | Arsenal | 2-1 (Messi did not play final) |
| 2008/09 | Barcelona | Manchester United | 2-0 |
| 2010/11 | Barcelona | Manchester United | 3-1 |
| 2014/15 | Barcelona | Juventus | 3-1 |
Goals and Records
Ronaldo not only has more Champions League titles than Messi, but he is also the competition’s all-time top scorer with 141 goals in 187 appearances.
Messi follows closely with 129 goals in 163 appearances, boasting a slightly better goals-per-game ratio.
Ronaldo, however, stands out for his unmatched consistency in the knockout stages and his record number of appearances in the tournament.
The Legacy of Two Icons
While Cristiano Ronaldo edges Messi in Champions League titles, the debate over who is the true greatest remains unresolved.
Both men defined an era with their extraordinary performances and left fans with memories that will live forever.
Don’t miss: Who is the top goal scorer in LaLiga history?
Whether it was Ronaldo’s relentless pursuit of goals or Messi’s artistry on the biggest stage, their battles in the Champions League elevated the competition into something even more magical.
In the end, Ronaldo may have one more Champions League title than Messi, but football history will forever remember them both as the titans who made Europe’s grandest tournament unforgettable.
