Cristiano Ronaldo has some serious catching up to do if he’s to topple Lionel Messi.

In the eyes of many, Lionel Messi cemented GOAT status by inspiring Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022. It’s a feat Cristiano Ronaldo hasn’t achieved with Portugal, and the triumph also moved Messi further ahead of his long-time rival in terms of trophies won.

By lifting the prestigious trophy in Qatar, Messi levelled Dani Alves’ record to become the joint-most decorated player in football history with 42 honours.

The 35-year-old has enjoyed a silverware-lined past year or so with Argentina, lifting his first Copa America in 2021.

He followed that up with Finalissima glory against Italy in 2022 before World Cup success in the Middle East.

Messi has won the Ligue 1 title and the Trophee des Champions across two seasons at Paris Saint-Germain and is on course to claim his second league crown this term.

But the Champions League has evaded him in the French capital, a trophy he clinched four times throughout an illustrious career at Barcelona, where he enjoyed the most of his rivalry with Ronaldo.