Here we are going to cover top 10 matches between Ronaldo vs Messi. Football fans have been spoiled over the last two decades. While the sport has seen countless legends, none have captured imaginations quite like the endless duel between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Their head-to-head meetings weren’t just games they were events, each one adding another chapter to the greatest rivalry modern football has ever seen.
From El Clásico showdowns to Champions League nights and even international friendlies, their clashes had it all: breathtaking goals, heart-stopping drama, and moments that made you jump off your couch. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit the 10 matches that defined their legendary competition.
Key points
2009 Champions League Final: The passing of the torch
Barcelona 2-0 Manchester United (Rome, May 27, 2009)*
Ronaldo arrived in Rome as the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, the undisputed king of football. By the end of the night, Messi had staked his claim.
Barcelona’s dominance was clear from the start, with Samuel Eto’o opening the scoring early. But it was Messi’s looping header yes, a header from the shortest man on the pitch that sealed the win. That goal wasn’t just a trophy-clincher; it was a statement. Messi wasn’t just coming for Ronaldo’s throne he was already sitting on it.
2010 El Clásico: The night Barcelona humiliated Madrid
Barcelona 5-0 Real Madrid (November 29, 2010)*
José Mourinho’s first Clásico as Real Madrid manager was supposed to be a tactical masterclass. Instead, it turned into a footballing lesson.
Messi didn’t score, but he was everywhere drifking past defenders, threading perfect passes, and making Madrid’s backline look amateur. Ronaldo? He was left chasing shadows, frustration written all over his face. This wasn’t just a win for Barça; it was a warning—Messi’s Barcelona were untouchable at their best.
2011 Friendly: When Argentina and Portugal Collided
Argentina 2-1 Portugal (February 9, 2011, Geneva)
Friendlies between these two rarely felt like exhibitions. This one had the intensity of a World Cup knockout.
Ronaldo equalized Di María’s opener with a trademark strike, but Messi stole the show with a last-minute penalty winner. Even in a meaningless game, neither wanted to lose. That’s what made their rivalry special every match mattered.
2011 La Liga Clásico: A Penalty Duel for the Ages
Real Madrid 1-1 Barcelona (April 16, 2011)
The first of four Clásicos in 18 days—and it set the tone for an exhausting, exhilarating month.
Messi converted a penalty to put Barça ahead. Ronaldo, never one to be outdone, replied with a spot-kick of his own late on. The tension was unreal, the stakes sky-high. This wasn’t just football; it was a heavyweight title fight.
2011 Copa del Rey Final: Ronaldo Strikes Back
Real Madrid 1-0 Barcelona (April 20, 2011, Valencia)
After years of Barcelona dominance, Ronaldo finally delivered a trophy for Madrid.
In extra time, he soared above the defense to thump home the winner. His celebration—sprinting to the corner flag, arms outstretched—was pure emotion. For once, Messi was silenced. The pendulum had swung.
2011 UCL Semifinal: Messi’s Masterpiece
Real Madrid 0-2 Barcelona (April 27, 2011)
One of Messi’s greatest performances—ever.
After a scrappy first leg, he took over at the Bernabéu. First, a poacher’s finish. Then, that goal—dribbling past four defenders before slotting home. Ronaldo could only watch. This wasn’t just a win; it was a coronation.
2012 La Liga: Ronaldo Silences Camp Nou
Barcelona 1-2 Real Madrid (April 21, 2012)
The goal that won the league—and Ronaldo’s coldest celebration.
His 73rd-minute winner was followed by a finger-to-lips “calma” gesture to the hostile Camp Nou crowd. Messi fought hard, but this was Ronaldo’s night. Madrid’s title was sealed, and the rivalry had its most iconic celebration.
2012 La Liga: The Duel of the Decade
Barcelona 2-2 Real Madrid (October 7, 2012)
Ronaldo scored. Messi scored twice. Ronaldo scored again.
A back-and-forth war where neither superstar would yield. It was football at its finest—two geniuses pushing each other to new heights.
2014 La Liga: Messi’s Hat-Trick in a Seven-Goal Thriller
Real Madrid 3-4 Barcelona (March 23, 2014)
The most entertaining Clásico ever? Quite possibly.
Messi’s hat-trick (including two penalties) edged an absurdly dramatic game. Ronaldo scored too, but Messi’s third made him El Clásico’s all-time top scorer. A record he still holds today.
2017 La Liga: Messi’s Jersey Moment
Real Madrid 2-3 Barcelona (April 23, 2017)
The last great Clásico of their era—and Messi saved the best for last.
After scoring a 92nd-minute winner, he held his shirt up to the Bernabéu crowd. The image went viral instantly. Ronaldo scored too, but this was Messi’s night, his moment, his legacy.
What made Ronaldo vs Messi rivalry so special?
- They Were Nothing Alike – Messi, the quiet magician. Ronaldo, the relentless machine.
- They Made Each Other Better – Every record one set, the other broke.
- They Carried Their Teams – In big games, they always delivered.
The Final Whistle
Ronaldo vs. Messi wasn’t just a rivalry it was a gift to football fans. These 10 matches were the highlights, but every time they faced off, history was made.
The total number of matches between Cristiano Ronaldo and Leonel Messi is 36. We have updated top 10 matches between them. We may update all the 36 matches between them anytime, so stay updated with us.
Now, as their careers wind down, one thing is certain: we’ll never see anything like it again.
Before ending we would like to ask you a simple question, Which football do you like most? Please let us know in the comment.