Melo 2025 Data Comparison: Messi Dominates in Goal Contributions; Both Champions Tied 1-1; The Two Veterans Aim for the 2026 CONCACAF World Cup

With 2025 ending and 2026 on the horizon, next year will be a World Cup year. Portugal under Ronaldo and Argentina under Messi are both strong favorites for the championship. This event is basically the last major international appearance for these two icons in football.

At 40 years old, Ronaldo and 38-year-old Messi have both long left Europe’s top five leagues, yet they remain highly effective in the Saudi Pro League and MLS respectively, continuing to be key players for the Portugal and Argentina national teams. Here is a review of their 2025 statistics:

• Ronaldo: Age 40, played 46 matches with a total of 3914 minutes, scored 41 goals, provided 4 assists, averaging a goal involvement every 87 minutes, and won 1 title (UEFA Nations League).
• Messi: Age 38, featured in 54 games totaling 4534 minutes, netted 46 goals, contributed 28 assists, averaging a goal involvement every 61 minutes, and secured 1 championship (MLS Cup).

Looking at goal involvement, 40-year-old Ronaldo has become a pure finisher, whereas 38-year-old Messi remains versatile in both scoring and assisting. He is not just a forward but also plays a midfield role. In terms of efficiency in goal participation, Messi far surpasses Ronaldo.

Head-to-head total goals comparison between Melo:Ronaldo: 1301 matches, 957 goals; Messi: 1137 matches, 896 goalsRonaldo is just 43 goals shy of the 1000-goal milestone. Messi, having played fewer matches, trails Ronaldo by only 61 goals.