Messi Reaches 114 With Argentina

Lionel Messi’s latest game with Argentina was pure spectacle. With a brace against Venezuela, the Argentine captain reached 114 goals for his national team, consolidating himself as the all-time top scorer for Argentina and also in the South American World Cup Qualifiers. An impressive milestone that keeps him at the top of Conmebol history.

However, the brilliance of the night also came with a setback: Messi will not feature in Argentina’s next qualifier, tomorrow against Ecuador. The coaching staff decided to rest him to avoid any risk of injury and ensure he finishes the season at full strength with Inter Miami.

Cristiano Answers With Authority

Just a few days later, Cristiano Ronaldo proved once again that his fire is still burning. The Portuguese star also scored a brace, reaching an astonishing 140 goals for Portugal. That’s a 26-goal lead over Messi, which at this stage of their careers seems nearly impossible to close.

Ronaldo will also be available for Portugal’s next UEFA qualifier this Tuesday against Hungary, further proof of his ambition to keep expanding his historic records.

An Endless Rivalry

The numbers tell the story: the rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo has lost none of its intensity. What began over 15 years ago with their battles in Real Madrid and Barcelona continues to dominate football conversations worldwide.

Every performance from one inevitably sparks comparisons with the other, and their back-to-back braces with their national teams are the perfect example. Even as both near the twilight of their careers, they keep alive a competition that has defined an entire generation.

Road to the 2026 World Cup

All signs point to the final chapter of this rivalry being written at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Should destiny bring them together again, it would mark the culmination of an era where two giants pushed each other to levels of greatness few will ever reach.