# Messi and Ronaldo football scoring records

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/messi-and-ronaldo-football-scoring-records
> Updated: 2026-08-31T04:27:17.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have established significant statistical dominance in 21st-century football. Data indicates both players have achieved eight separate seasons with more than 50 goals, with Messi holding the century's highest single-season record of 82 goals during the 2011-2012 campaign.

As of late August 2026, the focus has shifted to their pursuit of the 1,000 career professional goals milestone. Ronaldo leads this pursuit with 978 goals in 1,333 matches, requiring 22 more to reach the mark. Messi follows with 927 goals in 1,171 appearances, needing 73 more goals to achieve the milestone, though he maintains a higher average of goals per match.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-31: Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi pursue 1,000 career goals

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are racing toward a historic 1,000 career goals, with Ronaldo needing 22 more and Messi needing 73.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cristiano-ronaldo-and-lionel-messi-pursue-1000-career-goals

### 2026-08-18: Messi and Ronaldo lead 21st-century football scoring records

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo lead 21st-century football statistics, each recording eight seasons with over 50 goals and dominating La Liga offensive impact records.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/messi-and-ronaldo-lead-21st-century-football-scoring-records

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Cite as: Messi and Ronaldo football scoring records. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/messi-and-ronaldo-football-scoring-records