**Lionel Messi vs. Neymar: Who Has More Goals in the Champions League?**
Lionel Messi and Neymar are two of the most prominent football players in history, both celebrated for their exceptional performances in the Champions League. While both players have scored numerous goals throughout their careers, it is important to analyze which of them has scored more goals in this competitive tournament.
### 1. **Average Goals Per Season**
Both players have seen a significant rise in their goal-scoring averages over the years. Lionel Messi has scored an average of 2.7 goals per season, while Neymar has seen an increase to 2.8 goals per season. This consistent performance has contributed to their dominance in the Champions League.
### 2. **Total Goals in the Champions League**
In the Champions League, both players have netted over 30 goals each. However, their individual contributions to the competition have been quite different. Over the past few seasons, Messi has consistently led the pack, scoring an average of 2.5 goals per season, while Neymar has also been a key contributor, scoring 2.3 goals per season.
### 3. **Seasonal Performance**
The Champions League is a highly competitive tournament, and both players have had their moments where they have scored significantly more goals than their opponents. For instance, during the 2018-19 season,Ligue 1 Express Messi scored 2 goals in the tournament, while Neymar only scored 1. Similarly, in the 2021/22 season, Messi again led the competition with 2 goals, while Neymar only managed 1.
### 4. **Trend Over Time**
Over the years, Messi has seen a much more consistent and significant rise in his goal-scoring average, particularly in more recent seasons. This trend has been evident in both the 2021/22 and 2023/24 seasons, where Messi has scored 2 goals against stronger teams, while Neymar has only managed 1. This consistent performance has made Messi the favorite to lead in the Champions League over the years.
### 5. **Conclusion**
In conclusion, while both Lionel Messi and Neymar have scored numerous goals in the Champions League, Lionel Messi has consistently led the competition, scoring more goals than Neymar. His consistent performance and ability to dominate the tournament have made him the favorite to lead in the future.