How many times have Messi and Ronaldo played against each other in the UCL?

Messi and Ronaldo

Messi vs Ronaldo is undoubtedly the most debated topic among its fans. From stating different stats to the comparison of who is the best. Everyone has come up with their own theories and opinions about these 2 superstars.

So let us have a look at how many times Messi and Ronaldo have played against each other:

#6. Barcelona 0-3 Juventus (8 December 2020)

Cristiano Ronaldo was again seen in another different Jersey while facing Barcelona and Messi. During the match, Barcelona enjoyed most of the possession. However, Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoresheet in the 14th minute of the match, putting the pressure back on Barcelona. Mckennie followed Ronaldo’s footsteps and added their 2nd goal.

FS Video

In the 2nd half, Juventus got awarded a penalty after a VAR check which Ronaldo placed beautifully past Ter Stegen. Ronaldo’s brace saw Juventus winning the match 0-3 against Barcelona.

#5. Semi-Final second leg- Real Madrid 1-1 FC Barcelona (3 May 2011)

This was the fifth time Messi and Ronaldo faced each other in the Champions League. FC Barcelona took the lead through Pedro in the 54th minute while Marcelo equalized for Real Madrid in the 64th minute. Real Madrid failed to win on aggregate and resulting in Barcelona advancing to the finals.

#4. Semi-Final first leg- Real Madrid 0-2 FC Barcelona (27 April 2011)

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi met each other again but this time Ronaldo has appeared for the Spanish side Real Madrid. He was signed by the club in 2009 from Manchester United because of his amazing performances.

During the match, Real Madrid had quite an opposite start to the match as Pepe got sent off. Barcelona on the other hand took full advantage of the 10 men Real Madrid. Lionel Messi was the star performer of the match as he scored a brace in the last 20 mins of the game to sway the match in Barcelona’s favor.

#3. Final- FC Barcelona 2-0 Manchester United (27 May 2009)

The third time they faced each other was in the 2009 Champions League final. Manchester United was the favorite to win back-to-back Champions League after their 2008 triumph. However, Barcelona had other plans this time Samuel Eto’o opened the scoring for Barcelona just 10 min into the game.

However, it was Lionel Messi who found the back of the net at the 70th minute to ensure the victory for the Spanish side.

Messi's famous header against United — Messi’s famous header against United

#2. Semi-Final Second Leg- Manchester United 1-0 Barcelona (29 April 2008)

Their second meeting was on the 2nd leg of the same fixture where Messi and Ronaldo both featured in that match. The Red Devils got the early lead just in the 14th minute after Paul Scholes bolted in a long ranger. Barcelona on the other hand enjoyed the most possession again but again failed to shake off the United defence.

Messi however showed a brilliant performance but Van Der Sar kept Messi at bay. Ronaldo on the other hand made efforts at the goal as well but failed to score as well.

Manchester United went on to win the match and they also went on and won the UCL in that same season.

#1. Semi-Final First Leg – FC Barcelona 0-0 Manchester United (23 April 2008)

Going back in time, Messi and Ronaldo first faced each other for the very first time in 2008. It was one of the most exciting matches as both teams were full of star players. Manchester United got an early penalty and Ronaldo, unfortunately, missed the kick. Barcelona was widely known for their Tiki-Taka playing style and they enjoyed most of the possession but it hardly made any progress to beat the Man Utd defence.

Both Ronaldo and Messi got several chances as Ronaldo made quite some attempts at the goal but failed to convert any of them. Messi on the other hand had quite an average match.