Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo rivalry reignited as both break records on the same day

Over the past two decades, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have led the way in the global game, breaking and establishing new footballing records with both club and country. Despite the fact that both players are in the final stretch of their respective careers, they both continue to find ways to beat and generate new countless records in the game.

This FIFA window was no exception, as both Lionel Messi with Argentina and Cristiano Ronaldo with Portugal, once again pushed new boundaries and set incredible standards that will be difficult to match for future generations.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a historic double against Hungary in the UEFA qualifiers, goals that allowed him to become the top scorer in the history of the World Cup qualifiers (with 41 strikes), surpassing Guatemalan Carlos ‘El Pescadito’ Ruiz.

Just hours later, Lionel Messi returned to activity with Argentina and in Miami at his home, Chase Stadium, he was proclaimed as the footballer with the most assists in the history of international football, surpassing the record held by Neymar with his 59 assists, this after the double of assists against Puerto Rico.

Cristiano and Messi still insatiable

Both Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi seem to be destined for one final ‘Last Dance’ at the 2026 World Cup.

Argentina have already qualified from the CONMEBOL group and the 2022 champions will be hoping to defend their title in the USA, Mexico and Canada with Messi in the ranks.

Cristiano Ronaldo is on the cusp of a sixth World Cup with the national side who face Ireland and Armenia in the final two group stage games with Roberto Martinez’s men needing just two points to progress.

CR7 is getting closer to reaching the 1,000-goal mark, with his brace against Hungary leaving the striker from Madeira just needing 52 more goals to hit this incredible milestone.

In the assists department, Lionel Messi is two assists away from reaching 400 in his career and surely it’s only a matter of time before the veteran striker achieves the landmark in the short term either with Argentina or Inter Miami.

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