The rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo has defined football for over two decades, with both players setting unprecedented records. One of the most hotly debated topics is who has scored more hat-tricks for club and country.
Both legends have consistently delivered jaw-dropping performances, but when it comes to hat-tricks, the numbers tell a compelling story.
Lionel Messi’s Hat-Trick Record
As of November 2024, Lionel Messi has scored 59 career hat-tricks across club and international football. His most recent hat-trick came during Argentina’s 6-0 demolition of Bolivia in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on October 15, 2024.
This performance marked Messi’s 10th international hat-trick, tying him with Cristiano Ronaldo for the most international hat-tricks in men’s football.
Messi’s hat-tricks are spread across his illustrious career:
- 48 hat-tricks for Barcelona, where he spent the majority of his club career.
- 1 hat-trick for Inter Miami in the MLS, scored in October 2024.
- 10 hat-tricks for Argentina, including his latest against Bolivia.
Messi’s ability to perform at the highest level year after year is extraordinary. He has scored a hat-trick in 16 consecutive calendar years, surpassing Ronaldo’s record of 15 years.
Messi’s Hat-Trick Highlights
- First club hat-trick: Against Real Madrid in a 3-3 draw during El Clásico (2007).
- First international hat-trick: Against Switzerland in a friendly (2012).
- Most goals in a single match: Scored 5 goals against Estonia in a friendly (2022).
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Hat-Trick Record
Cristiano Ronaldo currently holds the record for the most career hat-tricks, with 66 to his name. His latest came during a Saudi Pro League match for Al-Nassr in September 2024.
Like Messi, Ronaldo has also scored 10 international hat-tricks, making him one of the most prolific goalscorers on the global stage.
Ronaldo’s hat-tricks are distributed as follows:
- 45 hat-tricks for Real Madrid, where he enjoyed his most successful period.
- 3 hat-tricks for Manchester United.
- 3 hat-tricks for Juventus.
- 6 hat-tricks for Al-Nassr.
- 10 international hat-tricks for Portugal.
Ronaldo has managed to score multiple hat-tricks in different leagues and competitions, showcasing his adaptability and consistency across various footballing environments.
Ronaldo’s Hat-Trick Highlights
- First club hat-trick: For Manchester United against Newcastle United (2008).
- First international hat-trick: Against Northern Ireland (2013) during World Cup qualifiers.
- Most goals in a single match: Scored 5 goals against Granada while playing for Real Madrid (2015).
Head-to-Head Comparison: Messi vs Ronaldo
| Category | Lionel Messi | Cristiano Ronaldo |
|---|---|---|
| Total Career Hat-Tricks | 59 | 66 |
| International Hat-Tricks | 10 | 10 |
| UEFA Champions League Hat-Tricks | 8 | 8 |
| La Liga Hat-Tricks | 36 | 34 |
| Most Goals in a Single Match | 5 (vs Estonia, 2022) | 5 (vs Granada, 2015) |
Both players are tied with eight UEFA Champions League hat-tricks each, but Messi leads Ronaldo when it comes to La Liga hat-tricks with 36 compared to Ronaldo’s 34. However, Ronaldo edges out Messi with more total career hat-tricks.
Who Has Scored More Hat-Tricks?
As of now, Cristiano Ronaldo holds the edge with 66 career hat-tricks, compared to Lionel Messi’s 59. However, Messi is closing the gap rapidly and continues to deliver outstanding performances at both club and international levels.
FAQs
Who has more international hat-tricks—Messi or Ronaldo?
Both have scored 10 international hat-tricks.
How many total career goals do Messi and Ronaldo have?
As of November 2024, Messi has scored 846 goals while Ronaldo has netted over 900 goals.
Who has more UEFA Champions League hat-tricks?
Both players are tied with eight UEFA Champions League hat-tricks each.