Lionel Messi propelled Inter Miami to the Leagues Cup final with two goals in their semifinal match against Orlando City. As another championship match approaches, comparisons between his final records and Cristiano Ronaldo’s are inevitable.
Messi has participated in 43 finals (not counting the forthcoming match on August 31) with an impressive tally of 31 wins and 12 losses. Ronaldo has played in 37 finals, achieving 25 wins and also suffering 12 defeats, similar to Messi.
The majority of Messi’s final victories occurred during his time at Barcelona, where he earned 28 trophies. In contrast, Ronaldo secured most of his titles at Real Madrid, winning 14 finals there.
Messi now has a shot at adding another title to his career as Inter Miami faces Seattle Sounders in the Leagues Cup final. A win would also allow the team to enter the Round of 16 in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, while a defeat still ensures their qualification for the tournament.
Lionel Messi celebrates with teammates after reaching the 2025 Leagues Cup final. (Rich Storry/Getty Images)
Who is performing better at their new clubs?
Currently, Messi seems to have the advantage in terms of trophies. He has already won two titles with Inter Miami and is vying for a third on August 31. In comparison, Ronaldo has not yet claimed an official trophy with Al Nassr. His sole title with the Saudi club is the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup, which lacks official recognition from the country’s soccer authority.
Messi secured his first trophy with Inter Miami in the 2023 Leagues Cup final, scoring during a 1–1 draw before they triumphed over Nashville in penalties. His second came in 2024 with the Supporters’ Shield, awarded to the MLS team with the highest points across both conferences during the regular season. Now, in his third final with the club, Messi aims to claim a third title with the Herons.