Even in the twilight of their careers, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi continue to dominate the football world, showcasing their brilliance on the pitch and adding to their legendary rivalry.

In 2024, Ronaldo and Messi displayed their class despite playing in vastly different settings. Ronaldo thrived in Saudi Arabia's competitive Saudi Pro League, while Messi brought his genius to Major League Soccer (MLS) and led Argentina to continental glory.

Fans and pundits remain captivated as these iconic players redefine excellence well into their late 30s. Despite playing in separate continents, Ronaldo and Messi's influence remains unmatched. Both players carried their teams domestically and internationally, achieving individual accolades and maintaining their unrelenting pursuit of greatness.

Cristiano Ronaldo in 2024

Cristiano Ronaldo's 2024 campaign was defined by his prolific goal-scoring for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. After ending the 2023/24 season with 50 goals in 51 matches, he carried his momentum into the new season. Ronaldo's contributions were pivotal for Al Nassr as he registered 16 goals in 19 matches across all competitions in the first half of the 2024/25 season.

Despite his efforts, Al Nassr fell short of winning major silverware. The team lost the Saudi Pro League title in 2023/24 and narrowly missed out on the Saudi Super Cup, with Ronaldo scoring in both the semifinal and final. However, his consistency saw him claim individual honours, including the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot for 2023/24 and two Player of the Month awards in 2024.

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Internationally, Ronaldo continued to shine for Portugal, scoring 7 goals in 12 appearances. His contributions during the European qualifiers kept Portugal in strong contention for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Lionel Messi in 2024

Lionel Messi's 2024 was equally remarkable, though his focus was split between Inter Miami in the MLS and the Argentina national team. In his first full season in the United States, Messi transformed Inter Miami into contenders, scoring 23 goals and providing 13 assists in 25 appearances. His creativity and leadership earned him the MLS MVP award and a spot in the MLS Best XI for 2024.

On the international stage, Messi guided Argentina to victory in the Copa America 2024, adding another prestigious title to his collection. Despite battling injuries during the tournament, he delivered a decisive semifinal performance and became the player with the most appearances in the competition's history. Messi also shone in the World Cup qualifiers, where his six goals and five assists helped Argentina maintain their dominance.

In addition to team successes, Messi secured the Supporters' Shield with Inter Miami, cementing their place in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. His impact was recognised with multiple monthly awards, further solidifying his status as the league's top player.

Messi vs Ronaldo: 2024 Comparative Stats

Ronaldo and Messi's individual brilliance in 2024 highlighted their unique footballing journeys. Ronaldo's relentless goal-scoring and Messi's unmatched playmaking and leadership continued to enthral fans.

Their enduring rivalry, spanning clubs, countries, and now continents, reminds the football world of the rare privilege of witnessing two icons redefine greatness on their terms. As they edge closer to the end of their illustrious careers, their performances in 2024 ensured their legacies remain untouchable.