Cristiano Ronaldo scores a wonder-goal for Portugal, surpassing Lionel Messi’s World Cup qualifiers tally. International record now within reach. (Image Credit: Instagram/Cristiano Ronaldo)
Cristiano Ronaldo showed once again why he is still among the all-time great footballers when, at 40, he scored a brace for Portugal in their 5-0 drubbing of Armenia at the Yerevan Stadium during a World Cup Qualifier, surpassing the World Cup qualifying goals of Lionel Messi.
Ronaldo got the opener with a precise striker's finish from a tap-in, then created a moment of magic for his second goal a magnificent long-range half-volley that went into the net with amazing accuracy and force. It was his 140th international goal, taking him farther in the top of the world goal-scoring lists.
Portugal's commanding performance was backed up by Joao Felix, who scored twice, and Joao Cancelo, who contributed the fifth, making for an easy beginning to their qualification journey. Ronaldo's outing wasn't merely about personal milestones it also established the tone for Portugal's goals of winning their group and guaranteeing an early route to World Cup qualification.
Ronaldo's record-breaking brace also saw him move ahead of Messi in World Cup qualifying goals. Both superstars had 36 goals each in World Cup qualifiers previously, but Ronaldo's two strikes against Armenia saw him move ahead. He is now just behind Guatemala's Carlos Ruiz for the record in World Cup qualifying games, which speaks volumes about his longevity and consistency at the international level.
Ronaldo achieved this feat in 48 games, while Messi took 72. Since Argentina's qualifiers are now done, Messi cannot increase his count, and this opens doors for Ronaldo to widen his gap even further. Robert Lewandowski, who has scored 31 goals in qualifiers, is another one to watch out for as he attempts to move up the ranks.
The war between Ronaldo and Messi has shaped football for almost two decades. Every milestone is larger when compared against each other, and Ronaldo taking the lead from Messi in World Cup qualification goals is another installment in their mythical duel.
While Messi dazzled in Argentina’s qualifiers with his skill and creativity, Ronaldo has relied on a combination of athleticism, finishing, and experience to maintain his scoring prowess. Their contrasting styles Messi’s dribbling genius versus Ronaldo’s clinical striking have fueled one of the sport’s most compelling debates. Even as both players near the twilight of their careers, their records continue to inspire comparisons and discussions among fans and analysts worldwide.
Portugal will then travel to Budapest to play Hungary at the Puskas Arena in their next group qualifying match. Ronaldo and the team will be big favourites, with Ireland being the fourth team in the group. Dominant performance against Hungary would place Portugal in a comfortable position to finish at the top of the group and establish an early authority in the qualification stage.
With Ronaldo in record-breaking mode, Portugal looks set to continue its run, and football followers continue to be enthralled by the current Ronaldo-Messi duel.
