While Cristiano Ronaldo aims to break this record, Lionel Messi is determined to achieve it

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to show important things with Portugal. The 38-year-old qualified for the EURO2024 and with this series of results, the Portuguese continues to break records. It should be noted that this will be the 6th consecutive time that Portugal qualifies for a European Championship in a row. This has been possible since Ronaldo's arrival at the Portuguese National Team.

Similarly, the arrival of Roberto Martinez has reinforced the Portuguese's momentum. After not having many opportunities at Qatar 2022, the new coach has put his trust in the player's experience and quality to ensure good results. Martinez has also combined experience with youth. Such is the case with experienced players like Joao Felix.

In turn, Ronaldo scored a brace in two consecutive matches. One against Slovakia and one against Bosnia and Herzegovina. In this way, the former Real Madrid player becomes the only player to score more than 72 international goals after turning 30. Undoubtedly, a record that speaks of Ronaldo's ability despite his age. On the other hand, the player is shining with Al Nassr.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo wants to surpass a record he does not yet have and that is to be the top scorer in a World Cup Qualifier. The first place is held by Guatemalan Carlos "Pescado" Ruiz with 39 goals. At the moment, The Goat has 36 goals and is dangerously close to the record. It should be noted that the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup have not yet started in Europe.

Lionel Messi approaches Ronaldo's record 

Meanwhile, with Messi fully motivated, Argentina is in first place in the South American Qualifiers heading into the 2026 World Cup. It should be noted that the qualifiers in this region are some of the longest ones in the whole world. With 3 years still to go until the World Cup, the journey has already begun for Lionel Scaloni's team. At the moment, the Inter Miami player is in fourth place with 31 goals, just 5 goals behind Ronaldo, 8 goals behind Carlos Ruiz and 4 goals behind Iran's Ali Daei. No doubt. a great achievement that Messi could achieve.