Lionel Messi is just one goal away from equalling the number of goals Cristiano Ronaldo has scored in Europe’s top five leagues.
Lionel Messi, who currently plays for Paris Saint-Germain, has so far scored 494 goals in Europe’s top five leagues. The Argentine superstar scored 474 of those for Barcelona in La Liga across 17 seasons.
Lionel Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer in the summer of 2021. He signed for the French side after his contract with Barcelona had expired. He has since been plying his trade for PSG.
In his first season with PSG, the now 35-year-old scored six goals in Ligue 1. Messi has racked up 14 goals in the French top-flight so far in the 22/23 season.
Read More: Lisandro Martinez Ruled Out For Remainder of 22/23 Season
Lionel Messi has scored 494 goals in Europe’s top five leagues, Cristiano Ronaldo has 495
Cristiano Ronaldo has amassed 495 goals in Europe’s top five leagues. The Portuguese superstar scored 103 Premier League goals for Manchester United across two stints at the Old Trafford outfit.
Cristiano Ronaldo also hit 311 goals for Real Madrid in La Liga during his nine-year stint with the Spanish behemoths. At Juventus, Ronaldo racked up 81 goals in Serie A across three seasons.
But Cristiano Ronaldo no longer plies his trade for a club that plays in Europe’s top five leagues. The now 38-year-old parted ways with Manchester United by mutual consent in November last year.
Cristiano Ronaldo has since signed for Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr in a deal that makes him the highest-paid footballer in the world.
Among the players with the most goals in Europe’s top five leagues list, Lionel Messi closed the gap on Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portuguese’s exit from Manchester United.
The Paris Saint-Germain superstar is now just one goal away from equaling Ronaldo’s tally. A further goal would see Messi eclipse Ronaldo in that list.
PSG have eight fixtures remaining in the Ligue 1 this season, and Messi could score goals in those to leave Ronaldo further behind in the list.
Meanwhile, Messi’s current contract with PSG is due to expire in June this year. He has not yet reached an agreement with PSG over extending his contract. That has led to speculation surrounding his future. He has also been linked with a return to FC Barcelona in the summer transfer window of 2023.
