Leo Messi started his World Cup campaign today, Wednesday. The prince of football scored a stunning hat-trick against Algeria. However, Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo will also play tonight.

Who is ahead of the World Cup stage between the two? (Credit - Getty Images) Messi's record in World Cup knockout stage matches is excellent. In the 2022 World Cup, he achieved a unique feat of scoring in every knockout match.

Again, Ronaldo has no knockout goals in his career, which is a major blemish in the life of the Portuguese superstar. (Credit - Getty Images) Messi scored a total of 16 goals in the World Cup. Ronaldo has a total of 8 goals and 2 assists.

Messi gave a total of 9 assists. Messi will break Miroslav Klose's record if he scores another goal. (Credit - Getty Images)Messi is at a unique stage in winning the 'Golden Ball' award for the best player of the World Cup.

He won the Golden Ball twice in 2014 and 2022 World Cup, the best performance in history. (Credit - Getty Images) Leo Messi holds the record for the most matches played as a captain in the history of the World Cup. He played a record 20 World Cup matches, the highest in history.

On the other hand, Ronaldo has led Portugal in 17 matches. (Credit - Getty Images) Ronaldo has been man of the match 7 times on the World Cup stage. On the other hand, Messi holds the record of Man of the Match 11 times.

Messi has left behind Ronaldo in this category as well. (Credit - Getty Images) Messi has left Ronaldo behind in the World Cup trophy. Leo won his first World Cup in 2022.

Ronaldo's career has yet to win a single World Cup. So this time the fans are interested to see the World Cup in his hands. (Credit - Getty Images) Judging by all the statistics and achievements, Messi is clearly ahead.

His excellence has already been proven on the World Cup stage. Messi beat Ronaldo in all directions. So it can also be said that Messi is ahead in the World Cup.

(Credit - Getty Images)