Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's stats compared on the day they turned 36, there's a clear winner

Lionel Messi turns 36 today, but how do the Argentine's stats compare to Cristiano Ronaldo on the day he turned the same age?

Messi's birthday closely follows the news that he will join Inter Miami after a public fall-out with Paris Saint-Germain.

The seven time ballon d'Or winner was suspended for two weeks by the club after making an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia last month.

While he was unable to help deliver the European glory PSG fans so badly crave, as the French giants were knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich in the round of 16.

Throughout his illustrious career, Messi has often been compared to Ronaldo. But on the little magician's birthday, how does he compare to his long-standing rival?

Indeed, the comparisons have often been seen as a little unfair when considering Ronaldo's slender advantage in terms of experience.

The Portuguese superstar, who currently plays his club football in Saudi Arabia for Al-Nassr, has two years on Messi.

Courtesy of MessivsRonaldo, a site used to compare the pair's stats, both players have been matched up against each other at the same age, and it's Messi who comes out on top.

Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo on their 36th birthday. Credit @GiveMeSport

Despite playing 15 fewer games than Ronaldo, Messi has notched 45 more goals. While he's also registered 132 more assists during that time and scored one more hat-trick than the former Manchester United man.

When it comes to the specific types of goals scored, Ronaldo has 134 penalties to his name compared to Messi's 108. But Messi has scored five more free-kicks.

Messi also reigns supreme when it comes to long range shooting, scoring 33 more goals than Ronaldo from outside of the penalty area.

However, Ronaldo unsurprisingly dominates in the air, scoring 130 goals with his head compared to Messi's 26.

So, is that the GOAT debate settled? Let us know in the comments.

Topics: Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Football

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno