Why Virat Kohli rates Cristiano Ronaldo above Lionel Messi: Explained
Virat Kohli plays football during a training session (Source: Getty Images)
Published - 22 Jun 2026, 01:41 PM• Read time - 5 mins
Few debates in sport are as polarising as the one between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Both are icons of modern football, have redefined greatness, and both command cult‑like followings across the globe. Yet, the question of who stands taller continues to divide fans and pundits alike.
Messi vs Ronaldo: A glance at iconic rivalry in numbers
On pure statistics, Ronaldo edges ahead in certain areas. Heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, he had amassed 973 career goals and lifted the Champions League trophy five times. Messi, by comparison, had scored 910 career goals and won the Champions League four times.
But Messi’s record‑breaking Ballon d’Or haul and his crowning achievement, leading Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title, tilt the scales in his favour for many.
Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo: Career achievements
| Category | Messi | Ronaldo |
|---|---|---|
| Career goals scored | 910 | 973 |
| International goals | 116 | 143 |
| World Cup wins | 1 | 0 |
| Career trophies | 48 | 37 |
| Champions League wins | 4 | 5 |
| Ballon d'Or wins | 8 | 5 |
| Copa América / European Championship | 2 | 1 |
Why Virat Kohli rates Cristiano Ronaldo above Lionel Messi
The debate has even drawn voices from outside football. Former India cricket captain Virat Kohli has openly expressed admiration for Ronaldo’s relentless drive and professionalism.
"For me, Cristiano is above everyone else. His commitment and work ethic is unmatched. He wants it that bad, you can see it every game. I support every club at which he plays. He inspires me," Kohli told FIFA.com in August 2019.
"In my opinion, Ronaldo has taken on more challenges and succeeded at all of them. He’s the most complete player I have seen and his work ethic is unmatched. He inspires people. I don’t think many people do that. He’s also a leader and I love that. Absolutely love it. He has amazing belief too," Kohli added.
Messi and Ronaldo at FIFA World Cup 2026
Messi has already made headlines in Argentina’s title defence, scoring a hat‑trick in their emphatic 3-0 win over Algeria in Group J. Argentina looked unstoppable, with Messi once again at the heart of their dominance.
Ronaldo’s Portugal, however, stumbled at the start of their campaign, held to a 1-1 draw by the Democratic Republic of Congo in Group K.
