Is Zlatan Ibrahimovic Better Than Lionel Messi? A Look at the Stats

AvatarByKane Whitaker Lionel Messi

Is Zlatan Ibrahimovic Better Than Lionel Messi?

The question of who is the better player, Zlatan Ibrahimovic or Lionel Messi, has been debated for years. Both players are generational talents who have won numerous trophies at the club and international level. They are also two of the most prolific goalscorers of all time.

But who is truly the better player? Is it the Swedish striker with the powerful shot and acrobatic skills, or the Argentinean magician with the unmatched dribbling and passing ability?

In this article, we will take a closer look at both players’ careers and stats to try to answer this question once and for all. We will also consider their impact on their teams and their legacy in the game.

So, who is the better player, Zlatan Ibrahimovic or Lionel Messi? Let’s find out.

| Is Zlatan Better Than Messi? | Zlatan | Messi |
|—|—|—|
| Goals scored | 572 | 769 |
| Assists | 156 | 312 |
| Trophies | 32 | 36 |
| Ballon d’Ors | 0 | 6 |
| World Cups | 0 | 1 |
| Height | 6’5″ | 5’7″ |
| Weight | 198 lbs | 155 lbs |
| Birth date | 3 October 1981 | 24 June 1987 |
| Birth place | Malm, Sweden | Rosario, Argentina |

Statistical Comparison

Goals scored

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has scored 572 goals in his club career, while Lionel Messi has scored 769 goals. This means that Messi has scored more goals than Ibrahimovic, but the difference is not as great as some people might think. Ibrahimovic has played for more clubs than Messi, and he has often been used as a substitute, so he has not had as many opportunities to score goals as Messi has.

Assists

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has made 184 assists in his club career, while Lionel Messi has made 331 assists. This means that Messi has made more assists than Ibrahimovic, but the difference is not as great as the difference in goals scored. Again, Ibrahimovic has played for more clubs than Messi, and he has often been used as a substitute, so he has not had as many opportunities to make assists as Messi has.

Trophies won

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has won 32 trophies in his club career, while Lionel Messi has won 36 trophies. This means that Messi has won more trophies than Ibrahimovic, but the difference is not as great as the difference in goals scored or assists. Ibrahimovic has played for more clubs than Messi, and he has often been used as a substitute, so he has not had as many opportunities to win trophies as Messi has.

Ballon d’Or awards

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has won one Ballon d’Or award, while Lionel Messi has won seven Ballon d’Or awards. This means that Messi has won more Ballon d’Or awards than Ibrahimovic, but the difference is not as great as the difference in goals scored, assists, or trophies won. Ibrahimovic has played for more clubs than Messi, and he has often been used as a substitute, so he has not had as many opportunities to win the Ballon d’Or as Messi has.

Technical Comparison

Dribbling

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a very good dribbler, but he is not as good as Lionel Messi. Messi is one of the best dribblers in the world, and he is able to beat defenders with ease. Ibrahimovic is also able to beat defenders, but he is not as quick or as agile as Messi.

Passing

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a good passer of the ball, but he is not as good as Lionel Messi. Messi is one of the best passers in the world, and he is able to find his teammates with pinpoint accuracy. Ibrahimovic is also able to find his teammates, but he is not as consistent as Messi.

Shooting

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a very good shooter, and he is one of the best goalscorers in the world. He has a powerful shot, and he is able to score goals from all angles. Messi is also a very good shooter, but he is not as powerful as Ibrahimovic. Messi is more accurate with his shots, and he is able to score goals from more difficult positions.

Physicality

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a very strong and physical player, and he is able to hold off defenders and score goals in the box. Messi is not as strong as Ibrahimovic, but he is more agile and he is able to avoid defenders more easily.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Lionel Messi are two of the best players in the world, and they have both had very successful careers. Ibrahimovic has scored more goals than Messi, but Messi has won more trophies and awards. Ibrahimovic is a better dribbler than Messi, but Messi is a better passer and shooter. Ibrahimovic is more physical than Messi, but Messi is more agile. Overall, Lionel Messi is the better player, but Zlatan Ibrahimovic is still a very good player.

Physical Comparison

When comparing Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Lionel Messi, it is important to consider their physical attributes. Both players are incredibly talented, but they have different strengths and weaknesses in terms of their physical abilities.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a tall, powerful striker who is known for his strength, finishing, and aerial ability. He is also an excellent passer and dribbler, and he has a powerful shot. Ibrahimovic is not as fast as Messi, but he is still a very mobile player who is able to create chances for himself and his teammates.

Lionel Messi is a shorter, more agile player who is known for his speed, dribbling, and passing. He is also a very accurate finisher, and he is capable of scoring goals from all over the pitch. Messi is not as strong as Ibrahimovic, but he is still a very physical player who is able to hold off defenders and create space for himself.

Overall, Ibrahimovic and Messi are both very talented players with different physical strengths and weaknesses. Ibrahimovic is a more physical player, while Messi is a more agile player. Both players are capable of scoring goals and creating chances for their teammates, and they are both considered to be among the best players in the world.

Technical Comparison

In addition to their physical attributes, it is also important to consider the technical skills of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Lionel Messi. Both players are incredibly skilled, but they have different strengths and weaknesses in terms of their technical abilities.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a very good technical player who is capable of playing in a variety of positions. He is an excellent passer and dribbler, and he has a powerful shot. Ibrahimovic is also a very good free-kick taker.

Lionel Messi is a world-class technical player who is considered to be one of the best dribblers in the world. He is also an excellent passer and finisher, and he has a very accurate shot. Messi is not as good as Ibrahimovic at taking free-kicks, but he is still a very dangerous player from set pieces.

Overall, Ibrahimovic and Messi are both very skilled players with different technical strengths and weaknesses. Ibrahimovic is a more well-rounded player, while Messi is a more specialized player who is particularly skilled at dribbling and finishing. Both players are capable of creating and scoring goals, and they are both considered to be among the best players in the world.

Mental Comparison

In addition to their physical and technical attributes, it is also important to consider the mental attributes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Lionel Messi. Both players are incredibly mentally strong, but they have different approaches to the game.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a very confident player who is not afraid to take risks. He is a natural leader who is able to motivate his teammates and inspire them to play their best. Ibrahimovic is also a very hard worker who is always willing to put in the extra effort.

Lionel Messi is a very intelligent player who is able to read the game very well. He is also a very calm and composed player who is able to stay focused under pressure. Messi is not as vocal as Ibrahimovic, but he is still a very effective leader who is able to lead his team to victory.

Overall, Ibrahimovic and Messi are both very mentally strong players with different approaches to the game. Ibrahimovic is a more confident and vocal leader, while Messi is a more intelligent and composed player. Both players are capable of leading their teams to victory, and they are both considered to be among the best players in the world.

Leadership

Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Lionel Messi are both very talented players, but they have different leadership styles. Ibrahimovic is a more vocal and assertive leader, while Messi is a more quiet and reserved leader.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a natural leader who is not afraid to take charge. He is very confident in his abilities and is not afraid to speak his mind. Ibrahimovic is also a very hard worker who is always willing to put in the extra effort. He is a great motivator and is able to inspire his teammates to play their best.

Lionel Messi is a very intelligent player who is able to read the game very well. He is also a very calm and composed player who is able to stay focused under pressure. Messi is not as vocal as Ibrahimovic, but he is still a very effective leader who is able to lead his team to victory. He is a great team player and is always willing to help his teammates.

Overall, Ibrahimovic and Messi are both very good leaders with different leadership styles. Ibrahimovic is a more vocal and assertive leader, while Messi is a more quiet and reserved leader. Both players are capable of leading their teams to victory, and they are both considered to be among the best players in the world.

Is Zlatan Ibrahimovic better than Lionel Messi?

This is a subjective question with no definitive answer. However, there are a number of factors that can be considered when making a comparison between the two players.

  • Club and international success: Messi has won more club and international trophies than Ibrahimovic. He has won the Champions League four times with Barcelona, as well as the La Liga title ten times. He has also won the Copa del Rey seven times and the Spanish Super Cup eight times. At international level, Messi has won the World Cup with Argentina in 2022, as well as the Copa Amrica in 2021 and 2022. Ibrahimovic, on the other hand, has won the Champions League once with Inter Milan, as well as the Serie A title twice. He has also won the Coppa Italia twice and the Italian Super Cup three times. At international level, Ibrahimovic has represented Sweden at the World Cup on three occasions, but has never won a major trophy.
  • Individual awards: Messi has won more individual awards than Ibrahimovic. He has won the Ballon d’Or a record seven times, as well as the FIFA World Player of the Year award six times. He has also won the European Golden Shoe six times and the Pichichi Trophy five times. Ibrahimovic, on the other hand, has won the Ballon d’Or once, the FIFA World Player of the Year award once, and the European Golden Shoe once. He has also won the Pichichi Trophy twice.
  • Skills and attributes: Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. He is known for his dribbling, passing, and finishing ability. Ibrahimovic, on the other hand, is a more physical player who is known for his strength, power, and heading ability.

Ultimately, the question of whether Ibrahimovic is better than Messi is a matter of opinion. There are arguments to be made for both players. However, based on the factors listed above, it is fair to say that Messi is the more accomplished player.

What are the main differences between Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Lionel Messi?

There are a number of key differences between Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Lionel Messi. These include:

  • Club and international success: Messi has won more club and international trophies than Ibrahimovic. He has won the Champions League four times with Barcelona, as well as the La Liga title ten times. He has also won the Copa del Rey seven times and the Spanish Super Cup eight times. At international level, Messi has won the World Cup with Argentina in 2022, as well as the Copa Amrica in 2021 and 2022. Ibrahimovic, on the other hand, has won the Champions League once with Inter Milan, as well as the Serie A title twice. He has also won the Coppa Italia twice and the Italian Super Cup three times. At international level, Ibrahimovic has represented Sweden at the World Cup on three occasions, but has never won a major trophy.
  • Individual awards: Messi has won more individual awards than Ibrahimovic. He has won the Ballon d’Or a record seven times, as well as the FIFA World Player of the Year award six times. He has also won the European Golden Shoe six times and the Pichichi Trophy five times. Ibrahimovic, on the other hand, has won the Ballon d’Or once, the FIFA World Player of the Year award once, and the European Golden Shoe once. He has also won the Pichichi Trophy twice.
  • Skills and attributes: Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. He is known for his dribbling, passing, and finishing ability. Ibrahimovic, on the other hand, is a more physical player who is known for his strength, power, and heading ability.

Ultimately, the question of whether Ibrahimovic is better than Messi is a matter of opinion. There are arguments to be made for both players. However, based on the factors listed above, it is fair to say that Messi is the more accomplished player.

Who is the better goalscorer, Zlatan Ibrahimovic or Lionel Messi?

This is a difficult question to answer definitively, as both players are world-class goalscorers. However, based on their statistics, it is fair to say that Messi is the more prolific goalscorer. He has scored over 700 goals in his career, while Ibrahimovic has scored over 500 goals. Messi has also scored more goals in the Champions League, La Liga, and the Copa del Rey than Ibrahimovic.

However, it is worth noting that Ibrahimovic has played for a wider range of clubs than Messi. He has played for clubs in Sweden, Italy, Spain, France, and the United States. Messi, on the other hand, has only played for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. This means that Ibrahimovic has had more opportunities to score goals against weaker

the question of whether Zlatan Ibrahimovic is better than Lionel Messi is a complex one with no easy answer. Both players are among the greatest footballers of all time, and each has their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, the best player is the one who wins more trophies, and in that regard, Messi has the edge over Ibrahimovic. However, Ibrahimovic has also enjoyed a long and successful career, and he has proven himself to be a winner at both club and international level. He is a true legend of the game, and his legacy will continue to be debated for years to come.

Author Profile

Kane Whitaker
Kane Whitaker
Hello, fellow football lovers! I’m Kane Whitaker, a Sunday league player and a lifelong fan of the beautiful game.

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