How do their careers compare?

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have both had illustrious careers, each with their own unique accomplishments and characteristics.

1. Goals and Matches: Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 895 career goals, while Lionel Messi has scored 838, though Messi has played fewer games. This gives Messi a higher goals-per-game ratio, alongside having made more assists in comparison to Ronaldo 1.

2. Awards: Messi has been awarded the Ballon d'Or (Golden Ball) eight times, more than any other player, while also winning six European Golden Shoes and being named FIFA’s World's Best Player a record eight times. Ronaldo has also won numerous awards but slightly trails behind Messi in these specific categories 1.

3. Club and International Success: At the club level, both have had very successful careers, with Messi seemingly having a slight edge in team trophies. Internationally, Messi won the World Cup once while Ronaldo has not won it, though both have had notable successes with their respective national teams in other tournaments 1.

4. Economic Impact and Brand: Off the field, Messi's recent deal with Inter Miami and partners like Apple and Adidas illustrates his prowess as a brand influencer. He has positioned himself uniquely in the U.S, leveraging his massive following to boost the profile of soccer in the country, whereas Ronaldo also commands significant brand and commercial influence 2.

In summary, both players have shaped the era of modern football, setting extraordinary records and contributing significantly to their teams’ successes. Each has pushed the boundaries of performance and popularity within the sport, often compared side-by-side as two of the greatest players of all time.