Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterThere is no denying that both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are two of the greatest footballers of all time, but the Argentina icon is far superior when it comes to World Cup goals.We are all lucky enough to have witnessed these two generational talents competing at the top level, at the same time, for the past 20 years.But, if you're still debating who is the better footballer, the respective goals tallies of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo really does make the answer very clear indeed.Play our FREE match predictor and win �1kLionel Messi has scored more World Cup goals than Cristiano RonaldoThanks to his exploits at the World Cup 2026, Messi is now the all-time top goalscorer at World Cups in footballing history.The Argentina legend now has 18 goals in 28 appearances, including five at this year's tournament. You may like Every World Cup record held by Cristiano Ronaldo Mbappe World Cup goals: How many does the Frenchman need to overtake Lionel Messi? Lionel Messi broke two more World Records vs Austria tonight Meanwhile, Ronaldo is currently on ten goals. He bagged his latest two in the game between Portugal and Uzbekistan in the group stages of the 2026 World Cup.That made him the first player to score in six different World Cups, with yet another record in the bag for Ronaldo. But the 41-year-old is still lagging behind his old rival in terms of output.Get the FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Another source of frustration for Ronaldo is the fact that he is still yet to score in a World Cup knockout game, with all nine of his goals coming in the group stages.Swipe to scroll horizontallyLionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo: World Cup goalsWorld Cup (year)Lionel Messi goalsCristiano Ronaldo goals200611201001201441201814202271202652TOPICSLionel MessiCristiano RonaldoWorld CupWorld Cup 2026Jakob BarnesFreelance WriterJakob has over 11 years of experience in journalism across sports, entertainment, tech, and politics. Now a freelance news writer for FourFourTwo, he covers the biggest stories from the world of football.
