Fan's In-Depth Graphic Comparing Lionel Messi & Cristiano Ronaldo's International Careers Has Caused Massive Debate

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's international careers have been compared online and it's gone viral.

Messi won the first major trophy of his Argentina career last week after a 1-0 win over Brazil in the Copa America.

It's been a long time coming for the 34-year-old and it means he's level on international honours with Ronaldo, who won Euro 2016 with Portugal.

@FutbolFax on Twitter has decided to end the debate once and for all with incredibly detailed graphics.

Rather than focus on the two countries, @FutbolFax decided to focus on each man's individual awards.

There is one clear winner in that regard.

Messi won two individual awards at this summer's Copa America, top scorer as well as player of the tournament.

He also notched the most assists as well as the trophy itself.

Other notable achievements are a gold medal at the 2008 Olympics when he was just 21-years-old.

PA

So what about Ronaldo? When it comes to individual awards, it isn't as impressive.

His individual awards include the golden boot at Euro 2004 as well as Euro 2020 and that's about it.

Ronaldo is also likely to overtake Ali Daei's overall record of goals scored in international competition.

Incredible accomplishments, but they don't compare to Messi's.

As well as Euro 2016, Ronaldo helped Portugal to victory in the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019.

Both men achieved these feats as captains of their country too.

PA

Fans have had their say on the stats shown.

One commented: "We can really see who had to carry the national team here."

Another added: "This sums the entire debate up. The difference is too clear."

Someone else put: "This is so embarrassingly shameless man."

While a fourth said: "How this international career myth got destroyed instantaneously after existing for so many years should be studied."

Who do you think has had the better international career? Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo?

Let us know in the comments.

Topics: Football, Lionel Messi, Portugal, Argentina, Cristiano Ronaldo

Daniel Marland

Daniel is a journalist for SPORTbible and he has previous experience with Manchester United. He has spoken to some of the biggest names in sport including Rio Ferdinand, Peter Crouch, WWE COO Triple H and WWE legend The Undertaker. May or may not do a decent impression of Jamie Carragher.

@DanMarland_