8
Ballon d'Or
838
Career Goals
373
Career Assists
5
Ballon d'Or
916
Career Goals
238
Career Assists
Messi has more Ballon d'Ors, more assists, a World Cup, and the better goal-per-game ratio in the Champions League. Ronaldo has more total goals, has scored in more leagues, and has the longevity argument (still scoring at 41).
The data says Messi. The eye test says Messi. The World Cup sealed it. But Ronaldo's 916+ goals across 4 different leagues is something that may never be repeated. They're both GOATs. But if you had to pick one? It's Messi. And it always was.