Cristiano Ronaldo 'better' than Messi

Cristiano Ronaldo is a better footballer than Lionel Messi and consistently outperforms the Argentinian, according to statistical research.

In the last five seasons Ronaldo has scored 132 goals, while Messi has netted 112.

The 26-year-old Portuguese captain also broke the all-time record of goals in a single La Liga campaign last season, scoring 40 times.

The former Manchester United forward took eight penalties, converting all of them - the longest 100% success run from the penalty spot last season in the top five European leagues.

He also scored four goals from direct free kicks in 2010-11, another European record.

Other areas where Ronaldo outperforms Messi, 24, include number of shots and shot frequency.