The 21st Century's Top Scorer Without Penalties: Messi Surpasses Ronaldo

Argentine magician Lionel Messi tops the list of players who have scored the most goals from open play (excluding penalties) in the 21st century since 2000, with 784 goals, averaging 0.69 goals per game.

Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo comes in second in terms of goals without penalties, with 778 goals in 1,304 matches, averaging 0.60 goals per game. Despite his overwhelming dominance in international goals and individual accolades, the competition in the open play goals list demonstrates how difficult it is to surpass Messi, who has achieved record-breaking goal-scoring prowess outside of penalty kicks.

According to a report published by the British network Givemesport, the list of the top 11 players of the 21st century in terms of goals scored outside of penalties is as follows:

Lionel Messi – 784 goals

Cristiano Ronaldo – 778 goals

Robert Lewandowski – 620 goals

Luis Suárez – 540 goals

Zlatan Ibrahimović – 488 goals

Karim Benzema – 471 goals

Edin Džeko – 425 goals

Edinson Cavani – 405 goals

Harry Kane – 395 goals

Sergio Agüero – 378 goals

Samuel Eto'o – 378 goals 

Samuel Eto'o

Messi & Ronaldo