Messi and Ronaldo: Who shines more with their weaker foot?

The eternal rivalry between [Cristiano Ronaldo](https://apitofinal.pt/nacional/cristiano-ronaldo-afirma-pertenco-a-arabia-saudita-e-quero-ficar/) and [Lionel Messi](https://apitofinal.pt/internacional/david-beckham-partilha-mensagem-emocionante-antes-da-defesa-da-mls-do-inter-miami/) continues to fascinate football fans, and now the question arises: who has the better record with their weaker foot? With over 1,500 career goals, nine [Champions League](https://apitofinal.pt/internacional/arbeloa-admite-que-o-real-madrid-pode-jogar-muito-melhor-apos-derrota-surpreendente/) trophies, and 13 Ballon d’Or awards, these two titans of the sport have been the protagonists of a battle that has lasted more than two decades. [But](https://apitofinal.pt/modalidades/golf/tiger-woods-revela-incertezas-sobre-o-futuro-no-pga-tour-apos-cirurgia/) while their paths intersect in many ways, how do they perform when it comes to their less dominant foot?

Both players, known for playing on opposite wings, have playing styles that highlight their preferences: Ronaldo typically cuts inside with his right foot, while Messi does the same with his left foot. This preference raises an intriguing question: how do they perform with the foot they consider less effective? Cristiano Ronaldo did not hesitate to acknowledge the qualities of Messi’s left foot. “His left foot is quite good – better than mine,” the Portuguese said in an interview before the Ballon d’Or ceremony in 2015. “I would like to have his left foot.” However, Messi, with his famous skill, would not trade his iconic left foot for anything, although he admits that Ronaldo’s right foot is superior.

What is truly surprising is that, despite being considered bi-dominant, both Messi and Ronaldo have shown that their non-dominant foot is capable of performing impressive feats. The Argentine, for example, scored a hat-trick with his right foot in a 4-0 victory over APOEL Nicosia in 2014. Additionally, he won the Goal of the Season award in the Champions League for the 2014-15 season, scoring a sublime goal with his right foot against German giant Manuel Neuer. It is an achievement that many strikers, even with their dominant foot, would struggle to match.

Ronaldo, for his part, boasts an impressive portfolio of goals with his left foot, including memorable moments in the Champions League against teams like Galatasaray, Ajax, and Schalke. In fact, only eight players have scored more goals with their left foot than the Portuguese international in the 21st century. In 2025, Ronaldo confidently stated, “Who is the top scorer in history? It’s numbers. Period.” He takes pride in being in the top 10 scorers with his left foot, even though he is not left-footed, and highlights his versatility in scoring with his head, with his right foot, and from penalties.

“I’m talking about numbers. I believe I am the most complete player that has ever existed. In my opinion, it’s me. I do everything well in football: with my head, from free kicks, with my left foot. I’m fast, I’m strong.” Ronaldo defends his position, emphasizing that personal preferences for other players like Messi, Pelé, or Maradona are valid, but he underscores his own completeness in the game.

In this way, a closer look at the statistics reveals that both stars have remarkable records with their less dominant feet. The lingering question is: who truly stands out in this duel? Football remains the grand stage where these legends face off, and while the numbers and performances speak for themselves, the rivalry between Ronaldo and Messi promises to continue capturing the imagination of fans around the world.