Gareth Bale vs Lionel Messi
Gareth Bale vs Lionel Messi: head-to-head — careers, honours, key numbers and why the rivalry matters.
Why compare Gareth Bale and Lionel Messi?
Bale's performances in La Liga often placed him in direct competition with Messi, as both players were key figures in the league during the same era.
Gareth Bale
Key numbers
- Total Club Appearances394
- Total Club Goals141
- International Caps for Wales111
- International Goals for Wales41
- Major Trophies Won15
Top honours
- PFA Players' Player of the Year2011–12, 2012–13
- PFA Young Player of the Year2012–13
- FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball2018
- UEFA Champions League Titles5 (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022)
- La Liga Titles3 (2017, 2020, 2022)
VS
Lionel Messi
Visit Lionel Messi hubKey numbers
- Total senior career goalsOver 910
- Total assistsOver 410
- Total goal contributionsOver 1,320
- Total club appearancesOver 650
- Total international caps198
Top honours
- Ballon d'Or8 times
- European Golden Shoe6 times
- FIFA World Cup2022
- Copa América2021, 2024
- Most goals in a calendar year91 goals