Comparing the El Clasico records of Real Madrid legends and Barcelona icons

Modified at 01:32 GMT on October 28, 2023

Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona’s top scorer Lionel Messi are widely regarded as the two best players to grace this exciting game.

They competed in Spain’s top flight for nine seasons between 2009 and 2018. There is no doubt that these two players played an important role in the El Clasico between the two clubs during this period.

Messi has obviously made more appearances in club football’s most watched competitions, as he was in the league a few years before Ronaldo’s arrival. After Ronaldo left in 2018, the Argentine played there for three more seasons. So, how is their El Clasico record? let’s see.

Lionel Messi made 45 appearances in four different competitions, scoring a record-breaking 26 goals and assisting 14; Barcelona won 18 of those games. Ronaldo, meanwhile, has scored 18 goals, provided one assist and won eight times in 30 El Clásico appearances.

Ronaldo’s average goals per game rate (0.6) and goal scoring time (141.5) are both higher than Messi (0.58 and 151.5). However, the Argentine has had the fewest goalscoring minutes (98.5) than Ronaldo (133.6).

It is worth noting that Messi also has two El Clasico hat tricks, while Ronaldo does not. Of course, since Messi left Barcelona to join Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer in the 2021-22 season, neither player has performed well in the game.

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Messi’s injury-time winner, Cristiano Ronaldo’s cool celebration: How the iconic duo are redefining Real Madrid’s rivalry with Barcelona

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are part of El Clasico folklore, having provided countless memorable moments over the years during Real Madrid’s iconic rivalry with Barcelona.

Despite not having featured in this competition for five years, the two stars still had their moments in club football’s most watched derby. In April 2017, Messi dramatically scored the winning goal in the 92nd minute, shocking Bern and helping Barcelona win 3-2 at home.

Five years ago, Cristiano Ronaldo staged an unforgettable “calm” celebration after scoring in Real Madrid’s 2-1 league win over Barcelona to win the title. He also scored the winning goal in the 103rd minute in the 2011 Copa del Rey final against Barcelona.