
via Imago
Credits: IMAGO

via Imago
Credits: IMAGO
After nearly two decades of dominance, it’s time for Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to enjoy the fruits of their labor. They conquered soccer for a long time, but it is time for the new boys to come in. To a few, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe are the modern-day Ronaldo and Messi. By the age of 23, all four players had established themselves as superstars. If you were to compare Messi and Haaland at age 23, both have scored plenty of goals and won multiple trophies.
Messi dominated during his time with Barcelona, while Haaland continues to draw plaudits. He assisted Manchester City to a historic treble. So, who scored more goals and won trophies by the age of 23?
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Goal-scoring comparison of Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland!
Goals are a part and parcel of the game. There was a time when the soccer fraternity believed no one could touch the numbers set by CR7 and Leo. But up steps Haaland with those numbers. Till now, he has appeared in 245 games and scored 195 goals. Moreover, he also created 47 assists and is one of the best players in the world at the moment.

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Credits: IMAGO
Bildnummer: 07698978 Datum: 16.04.2011 Copyright: imago/Ulmer
FUSSBALL INTERNATIONAL PRIMERA DIVISION SAISON 2010/2011 16.04.2011 El Clasico 32. Spieltag Real Madrid – FC Barcelona Lionel Messi (Mitte, Barca) gegen Sergio Ramos (li, Real Madrid), Sami Khedira (Mitte hinten, Real Madrid) und Pepe (Real Madrid) PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxSUI ; Fussball Herren ESP 2010 2011 Primera Division xo0x vdig xkg 2011 quer SPORTS LFP ERSTE SPANISCHE LIGA VEREINSTRIKOT TRIKOT CF REAL ZWEIKAMPF SPIELSZENE AKTION ACTION DUELL
Image number 07698978 date 16 04 2011 Copyright imago Ulmer Football International Primera Division Season 2010 2011 16 04 2011 El Clasico 32 Matchday Real Madrid FC Barcelona Lionel Messi centre Barca against Sergio Ramos left Real Madrid Sami Khedira centre rear Real Madrid and Pepe Real Madrid PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxSUI Football men ESP 2010 2011 Primera Division xo0x Vdig xkg 2011 horizontal Sports LFP First Spanish League Club jersey Jersey CF Real duel Game scene Action shot Action Duel
The finishing and the fox-like movement help him get into goal-scoring situations. Aerially strong, Haaland has a wide variety of goals to his name in his career. When compared to Messi, he actually is not far behind.
During his spell with Barcelona, Messi made 326 appearances, scoring 197 goals and setting up 95 assists. The goals he scored were exceptional, as he skillfully maneuvered past his opponents and elegantly curved the ball into the back of the net most times. Likewise, passing is one of the most underrated aspects of his game. He creates goals as much as he scores. It sets him apart from the rest. With him, Barcelona was unstoppable and won multiple trophies!
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Who has won more trophies?
The two players have played in arguably two of the most dominant soccer teams in Europe. The coincidence is that Pep Guardiola created two legendary sides which won multiple trophies. While Manchester City has a solid future in front of them, Barcelona dominated the game during the 2010-11 season. By the age of 23, Messi won 16 trophies, including an Olympic gold medal with Argentina.

via Reuters
Soccer Football – Community Shield – Manchester City v Arsenal – Wembley Stadium, London, Britain – August 6, 2023 Manchester City’s Erling Braut Haaland in action with Arsenal’s William Saliba REUTERS/Dylan Martinez
As for Haaland, he won 7 trophies until now and also the treble. Messi has won two trebles in his career to put things into perspective. With that Barcelona side led by the 23-year-old, the Argentine became the torchbearer for the team. But the same goes for Haaland, who is following a similar path. Who do you think will end with the most trophies?
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