Ronaldo on the Verge of Surpassing Messi

Age seems no barrier for football superstars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who continue to shine on the pitch in their iconic style. Both players remain consistent in breaking and setting records.

Just two days ago, Messi scored a brace in Argentina’s World Cup qualifying match against Venezuela. Similarly, representing Portugal in the European qualifiers, Ronaldo also netted twice.

Portugal’s Dominant Win Over Armenia

On Saturday night, Portugal played their first European qualifying match against Armenia, securing a resounding 5–0 victory.

• Goal Scorers for Portugal:
  • Cristiano Ronaldo – 2 goals
  • João Félix – 2 goals
  • João Cancelo – 1 goal

During this match, Ronaldo scored his 38th goal in World Cup qualifiers, moving ahead of Messi, who had scored two goals the previous day. Ronaldo is now on the cusp of becoming the all-time highest scorer in World Cup qualification.

Match Highlights

• 21st minute: Ronaldo opened the scoring with a leap to connect with a floated ball from Pedro Neto, marking his fourth consecutive match with a goal for Portugal.
• Early in the second half: Ronaldo scored a stunning long-range goal, taking advantage of Armenia’s loose ball outside the box. The shot was powerful and unstoppable for the goalkeeper.

Ronaldo’s Milestones

• International matches: 122
• International goals: 140
• World Cup qualifier goals: 38 (second-highest)

Currently, only Carlos Ruiz of Guatemala (39 goals in 47 matches) has more World Cup qualifier goals. Messi, with 36 goals in 72 matches, will likely be overtaken, as he has confirmed he will not play in Argentina’s remaining qualifier for the 2026 World Cup.

World Cup Qalifying Top Scorers

European Qualifiers Context

Portugal is still at the start of the qualifiers in Group F, alongside Armenia, Ireland, and Hungary.

• Format: Each team faces every other team twice in a home-and-away system.
• Qualification: The top 12 teams from group stages will directly qualify for the World Cup, while the remaining 12 runners-up compete in playoffs for 4 more spots.

Ronaldo’s prolific scoring could see him become the highest-ever World Cup qualifier goalscorer, further cementing his legacy alongside Messi in football history.