Few debates in soccer ignite as much passion as the Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Lionel Messi comparison, and analyzing the finals they’ve lost offers a unique lens on their resilience and careers. Few debates in soccer history spark as much passion as the comparison between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

The eternal comparison between the two football greats continues: Messi is racking up titles in the MLS while Ronaldo is still chasing glory in Saudi Arabia.

According to a new report from Forbes, Cristiano Ronaldo once again leads the list of the world’s highest-paid athletes in 2025, finishing ahead of Lionel Messi.