Win. Lose. Or Draw–Feb. 1 may be the “last dance” together–EVER–for Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.
With these legendary soccer greats leaving the European league at the conclusion of the season, their “swan song”–and their 36th time facing off–is part of the Riyadh Season Cup in Saudi Arabia, which is set to begin at 1 p.m.
To date, the 37-year-old Messi has 16 wins over Ronaldo’s 10. Together, they share 9 draws. However, in terms of goals, they are almost equal: Messi with 21 and the 39-year-old Ronaldo with 20.
In the last matchup between the two–Jan. 19, 2023–Messi’s old team (PSG) against Ronaldo’s recent transfer to Al Nassar resulted in a score of 5-4, with PSG winning. Moreover, Messi won the Ballon d’Or for 2023 for the 8th time, with Ronaldo trailing at 5. Messi’s lead in that category came in 2017, and has led to speculation that he will out-shine Ronaldo in their final matchup.
Despite the speculation on which one is the GOAT, it is undeniable that they are the best dancing partners that this sport has ever witnessed.
Chantel • Feb 2, 2024 at 8:40 am
One of the best rivals in soccer. Great article!
yuliana de santos • Feb 1, 2024 at 3:46 pm
This will be so sad knowing it can be their last time playing against each other but I’m excited to watch the game!
Mariely • Feb 1, 2024 at 10:34 am
I really enjoyed reading this article about Messi and Ronaldo last dance.
Aven Reed • Jan 31, 2024 at 1:59 pm
Good article, super interesting that the GOAT is concluding his final seasons, and Ronaldo is pretty good.