I could not find any data on the internet regarding number of tap-in goals by either player, and I thought it would be interesting to have this stat like we have with penalty goals and free kick goals.

I decided to analyze Messi's tap-ins to compare with Ronaldo after my 25% of Ronaldo's open play goals are tap-ins thread.

14% of Messi's open play goals (non-penalty/free kick) were tap-ins vs. 25% of Ronaldo's. Out of the 675 of Messi's open play goals, 95 were tap-ins compared with Ronaldo's 176 tap-in goals. Here is Messi's spreadsheet going goal by goal so you can corroborate yourself along with the video footage below.

I used this youtube video for Messi's first 800 goals and this other youtube video for goals #801-850. I couldn't find a good source compilating Messi's #851-895 goals so they are left out.

I used the exact same tap-in goal criteria that I used for Ronaldo's goals.

Criteria (with the help of AI for objectivity and impartiality)

• The ball did not need to be placed with precision in order for it to go in.
• The goalkeeper and/or defenders were in a disadvantageous position.
• The ball was received inside the penalty box.
• From the position where Ronaldo received the ball, scoring a goal would be almost effortless for any professional player.
• The goalkeeper had already been beaten by the time Ronaldo received the ball.
• Ronaldo did not need skill or athleticism (e.g., jumping over the goalkeeper) to reach or control the ball.
• Headers that require minimal skill, such as simply pushing the ball toward an open goal, qualify as "tap-ins." However, direct header goals from corners do not count as tap-ins.
• 1-on-1 goals are disqualified as tap-ins because the goalkeeper is not in a disadvantageous position.
• Defenders can be around an open net and the goal may still be considered a tap-in if blocking the shot would require a miracle save from a defender.

This criteria actually does Messi a disservice since he has more play creation/link up play in the penalty box than Ronaldo, but they still count. For example, goal #341 Messi creates an excellent play with a threaded pass and receives it back for a tap-in. Messi also has a handful of "tap-in headers", like with Cristiano.

An interesting stat is that 28% of Messi's tap-in goals came during the MSN era, despite that era accounting only for 15% of Messi's open play goals. Neymar especially gave Messi a lot of tap-ins.

Conclusion

A lot more of Messi’s goals come from his exceptional playmaking, dribbling, and precise shot placement. He often creates opportunities by weaving through defenders, placing the ball accurately rather than relying on power. While Ronaldo’s goals are frequently powered shots and headers, many of which come from crosses, Messi’s tend to be from forward build-ups. Unlike Ronaldo, Messi orchestrates plays, with his goals showing more creative solo-carry goals.

Watching their goals back to back really showcased the stark difference of Messi's talent as a football player vs Ronaldo's. When Messi gets the ball, he does whatever he wants with it running at full speed. However, Ronaldo is a constant aerial threat so teams cross it in to him all the time, unlike with Messi.