Comparing Lionel Messi And Cristiano Ronaldo’s Golden Boots: La Liga, MLS, Saudi Pro League

‎Lionel Messi has once again etched his name in football history, this time by clinching the MLS Golden Boot in 2025.

‎With 29 goals in the regular season, Messi’s remarkable scoring prowess continues to shine, even in a new league halfway across the world.

‎But how does this latest achievement stack up against his era-defining rival, Cristiano Ronaldo? Let’s break it down.

‎Messi’s MLS Triumph

‎After joining Major League Soccer in 2023, Messi’s first MLS season was curtailed by injuries, limiting him to just six appearances.

‎Despite this, he still made a mark, scoring 20 goals in 19 matches in his first full campaign, though he fell short of the Golden Boot, finishing three goals behind Christian Benteke.

‎In 2025, Messi returned stronger than ever, maintaining his near goal-a-game ratio and finishing the regular season with 29 goals, securing his first MLS Golden Boot at age 38.

‎Only three players in MLS history have scored more goals in a single regular season, Carlos Vela (34), Josef Martínez (31), and Zlatan Ibrahimovic (30).

‎Ronaldo’s Golden Boot Success Since Leaving Europe

‎Cristiano Ronaldo has also made his mark outside Europe. Since leaving the European stage in 2023, Ronaldo has continued to show his scoring instincts in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr.

‎Debut half-season: 14 goals in 16 appearances.

‎First full season (2023–24): 35 goals, claiming the Golden Boot.

‎Second full season (2024–25): 25 goals, winning the Golden Boot again.

‎Ronaldo’s consistency across multiple leagues highlights his unique distinction of winning the Golden Boot in every league he has played in (except Portugal when he was a teenager).

‎Head-to-Head in La Liga (2009–2018)

‎Messi and Ronaldo’s rivalry peaked during their nine seasons in Spain Messi with Barcelona and Ronaldo with Real Madrid. This era saw both players dominate domestic and European scoring charts, but Messi often edged ahead.

‎La Liga Titles (2009–2018): Messi – 6 | Ronaldo – 2

‎Golden Boots (Pichichi Awards):

‎Messi: 5 (2009–10, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2016–17, 2017–18)

‎Ronaldo: 3 (2010–11, 2013–14, 2014–15)

‎Messi’s first Golden Boot coincided with Ronaldo’s debut season at Real Madrid, a campaign in which Messi scored 34 goals, seven more than the closest challenger, Gonzalo Higuain. Ronaldo finished third with 26 goals.

‎Only Luis Suárez interrupted their dominance, outscoring Messi in the 2015–16 season with 40 league goals.

‎Total Golden Boots in Europe.

‎After Ronaldo left La Liga in 2018, Messi continued his dominance in Spain. He earned additional La Liga Golden Boots in 2018–19, 2019–20, and 2020–21.

‎In total, Messi has won eight European Golden Boots, and six of these also earned him the European Golden Shoe.

‎Ronaldo’s European Golden Boot tally includes his Premier League win with Manchester United (2007–08) and three La Liga Golden Boots with Real Madrid. He also claimed the Serie A Capocannoniere in 2020–21 but missed out in other Italian seasons.

‎European Golden Shoes: Messi – 6 | Ronaldo – 4

‎Golden Boots Outside Europe

‎Messi and Ronaldo both continue to add to their tallies after leaving Europe:

‎Messi: MLS: 1 (2025)

‎Ronaldo: Saudi Pro League: 2 (2023–24, 2024–25)

‎Career Golden Boot Comparison

‎Here’s the full picture of their career Golden Boot haul:

‎Player Total Golden Boots European Golden Shoes

‎Lionel Messi 9 (8 La Liga, 1 MLS) 6

‎Cristiano Ronaldo 7 (1 Premier League, 3 La Liga, 1 Serie A, 2 Saudi Pro League) 4

‎Messi remains ahead by two Golden Boots, showcasing the longevity and consistency that have defined his career. Ronaldo, meanwhile, continues to prove his scoring prowess across leagues and continents.

‎The Verdict

‎Messi and Ronaldo’s rivalry is the stuff of legend. From La Liga dominance to their ventures in North America and the Middle East, both have redefined the art of goal-scoring.

‎Messi’s latest MLS Golden Boot not only reinforces his legacy but also highlights his adaptability and enduring excellence.

‎Ronaldo, on the other hand, proves that even after leaving Europe, he can still outscore his peers in a competitive league.

‎With both players still active, the Golden Boot race is far from over. Fans around the world can only watch in anticipation as these two icons continue to chase history.