Ronaldo vs Messi in the UEFA Champions League

Monday 7 December 2020

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi may meet again on Tuesday; UEFA.com recalls their past encounters.

Ronaldo v Messi: Watch their best group stage goals

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi could meet again in the UEFA Champions League as Barcelona host Juventus in their final UEFA Champions League Group G game; UEFA.com tracks their past encounters.

The two most celebrated forwards of their age, Messi and Ronaldo have met 35 times in total with their clubs and national teams over the years, with the Argentinian having slightly the better of their encounters in terms of wins (16 to Ronaldo's ten) and goals (22 to Ronaldo's 19). However, they have not met in European competition since Barcelona beat Real Madrid in the 2010/11 UEFA Champions League semi-finals. They would have faced off on Matchday 2 this season, but Ronaldo was absent through illness; in the event, Messi scored a late penalty in Barcelona's 2-0 victory in Turin.

First time

Messi and Ronaldo meeting for the first timeGetty Images

Barcelona 0-0 United
United 1-0 Barcelona
2007/08 UEFA Champions League semi-finals

The deadly duo's first three encounters at any level were in the UEFA Champions League, kicking off in the 2007/08 semis. Ronaldo missed a penalty for United after just three minutes of their first meeting (a 0-0 draw at Camp Nou), but it was no great disaster in the long run: Paul Scholes scored the only goal in the second leg and United went on to win the final against Chelsea on penalties in Moscow.

Biggest stage

Barcelona 2-0 United
2008/09 UEFA Champions League final

2009 final highlights: Barcelona 2-0 Manchester United

Ronaldo was entitled to bear a grudge after Messi spoiled his last-ever game as a United player before his summer 2009 switch to Real Madrid; the Argentinian notched the second goal of a 2-0 victory for Barça in the 2009 UEFA Champions League final. "We, the players, were not well, the tactics were not good," said Ronaldo after full time in Rome. "Everything went wrong."

Last encounter

Real Madrid 0-2 Barcelona
Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid
2010/11 UEFA Champions League semi-final

Classic Messi goal against Real Madrid

After Pepe was dismissed in the first leg, Messi took full advantage, striking twice in the last 15 minutes – including a superb solo effort – to tilt the balance of the tie in Barcelona's favour. His brace took him to 11 for the season, and he went on to score a 12th in the 3-1 final success over United at Wembley, finishing as the competition's top marksman for the third campaign running.