# Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's Goals at Al Hilal: Who Scored More?
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, two of the most celebrated footballers of all time, have both spent periods in Saudi Arabia's top-tier league, the Saudi Pro League, playing for Al Hilal. During their respective stints with the club, both players have left an indelible mark on the competition. But the question on everyone's lips is: who scored more goals while at Al Hilal? Let's dive into the numbers and see.
## **Cristiano Ronaldo's Goals at Al Hilal**
Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al Hilal in 2022, signing a two-year contract worth a staggering £200 million. The move was seen as a shock decision, especially after his successful stints with Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Juventus. However, Ronaldo quickly settled into life in Saudi Arabia and began making an impact on the pitch.
In his debut season with Al Hilal, Ronaldo was the standout performer, netting an impressive 36 goals and assisting 15 times in 29 matches. This included a remarkable run of 12 consecutive goals, a record-breaking achievement in football history. His goal-scoring prowess earned him the league’s golden boot award for the 2022-23 season.
## **Lionel Messi's Goals at Al Hilal**
Lionel Messi, on the other hand, joined Al Hilal in 2023 after leaving Barcelona. Unlike Ronaldo, Messi’s move to Saudi Arabia was less surprising, as he had already spent much of his career in the Middle East with Paris Saint-Germain. However, expectations were high that Messi would continue his goal-scoring antics in Saudi Arabia.
In his debut season with Al Hilal during the 2023-24 season,La Liga Frontline Messi started strongly, scoring crucial goals in key matches. By the end of the season, he had netted 29 goals in 31 matches, including several decisive strikes that helped Al Hilal secure a top-four finish in the league.
## **Comparing the Two Legends**
So, how do the two compare in terms of goals scored while at Al Hilal?
- **Cristiano Ronaldo**: 36 goals in the 2022-23 season.
- **Lionel Messi**: 29 goals in the 2023-24 season.
On the surface, Ronaldo scored more goals in a single season (36) compared to Messi’s 29. However, it’s important to consider the context. Ronaldo’s 36 goals came in a shorter season (29 matches), while Messi’s 29 goals were scored over 31 matches.
In terms of goal-per-game ratio, Ronaldo averaged approximately 1.24 goals per match, while Messi averaged around 0.935 goals per match. This suggests that Ronaldo was slightly more efficient in front of goal during his time at Al Hilal.
## **Conclusion**
While both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have made significant contributions to Al Hilal, it’s Cristiano Ronaldo who has scored more goals during his time at the club. His record of 36 goals in the 2022-23 season stands out as one of the most remarkable achievements in the history of the Saudi Pro League.
However, it’s also clear that both players have left an indelible mark on Al Hilal, not just through their goals but also through their influence on and off the pitch. As the club continues to build for the future, the legacy of these two football icons will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of players to aim for greatness.
For now, though, the debate over who scored more goals at Al Hilal remains unanswered—unless, of course, one of these legends decides to return for another chapter in their remarkable careers!