Can Erling Haaland catch Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo? Manchester City’s hero offers two-word reality check
As one of the most prolific goal scorers of his generation, Erling Haaland continues to light up soccer pitches across Europe. The Manchester City striker recently hit a career milestone that few have reached so quickly: 300 career goals, achieved during the 2025 Club World Cup. What’s more astonishing is how fast he got there—in just 370 matches, a pace quicker than Lionel Messi (418 games) and Cristiano Ronaldo (554 games).
But when asked if he is on the same path as those two modern legends, Haaland’s response was as sharp as it was humble: a two-word verdict that speaks volumes about his character and respect for the game.
At only 25 years old, Erling Haaland’s numbers are jaw-dropping. Since joining Manchester City, he has scored 124 goals in 146 games, making him one of the most efficient strikers in world soccer. Despite these statistics, Haaland has made it clear that he does not consider himself on par with Messi or Ronaldo, two players widely considered the greatest in the sport’s history.
“No. Right now, I’m among the strongest footballers in the world. But repeating the results set by such great players as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo is almost impossible. Even I can’t break such records,” Haaland told SportInforma. That “almost impossible” remark reflects more than modesty—it shows an awareness of the magnitude of what Messi and Ronaldo have accomplished over decades at the pinnacle of soccer.
Messi and Ronaldo: Still in a league of their own
To put things into perspective:
- Lionel Messi: 874 goals, 388 assists, 1,115 games
- Cristiano Ronaldo: 938 goals, 257 assists, 1,281 games
Those aren’t just numbers; they represent two decades of consistent brilliance, involving Champions League titles, World Cup moments, and Ballon d’Or awards (eight for Messi, five for Ronaldo). Even though Haaland’s start has been meteoric, he remains grounded in the shadow of these giants.
Embracing the criticism
Haaland has also had his share of detractors—some label him a “tap-in merchant” due to his frequent close-range finishes. The Norwegian doesn’t shy away from the criticism. In fact, he embraces it.
“What’s the hardest thing to do in soccer? If you’re a ‘tap-in merchant,’ that means you score a lot of goals, right?” the Norwegian added. “That kind of gives you my answer. I like being called that, I love it. It means you’re doing something well and something that many people can’t do.”