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Home / Features / The World Cup Record That Messi & Ronaldo Might Never Equal

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The World Cup Record That Messi & Ronaldo Might Never Equal

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As we head towards the next World Cup, the upcoming tournament is already filling soccer fans with plenty of enthusiasm, especially given this is an event which only happens every four years. Well, the waiting is almost over and we can look forward to plenty of interesting narratives, including the battle for overall supremacy amongst the international teams.

Two particularsuperstars will be present at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, aiming to elevate their countries towards the biggest prize in the beautiful game. While their legacies in football are already secured, the upcoming tournament will have special significance for Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, and for numerous reasons.

Can Argentina or Portugal Win the World Cup?

Among the 32 national teams that will compete at the 2022 World Cup, clearly, few have any realistic hopes of actually lifting the trophy, although there is always the chance of surprises. This inevitably adds extra spice to the competition, along with further interest when it comes to wagering.

International bookmakers currently believe that Brazil are the favourites, although Argentina are also tipped as the strongest challengers, while Portugal are seen as outsiders at best. Nevertheless, we can bank on Messi and Ronaldo aiming to shape the fortunes of their national teams, ensuring that both will be fighting for the title.

Bookmakers around the globe are also providing a variety of markets, aimed at maintaining our interest throughout the World Cup. For the best football betting (เว็บพนันบอลที่ดีที่สุด) advice in Thai, and every other Asian language, Asiabet has every angle covered, highlighting where competitive odds and top offers can be found.

Living Legends of the Global Game

Having set the bar higher than any other footballers on the planet, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have mesmerised us for an entire generation, sharing countless records and remarkable achievements between this dynamic duo. Even to this day with both players in the twilight of their careers, the debate still rages amongst their legions of partisan fans around the globe – which of them is the GOAT – the Greatest of All Time?

Both of these superstars can certainly lay claim to such recognition, as they have both won practically everything there is to be won in the game, individually insofar as personally and collectively with the club sides they have represented. But one trophy has managed to evade both of these remarkable talents, giving each of them an added incentive in the weeks to come.

That one trophy is the FIFA World Cup, which neither Cristiano Ronaldo nor Lionel Messi have ever hoisted aloft, although both players have won continental honours with their national teams. Back in 2016 Ronaldo was pivotal as Portugal won the UEFA European Championship, while Messi finally won the Copa America in 2021, ending his patient wait for a major title with Argentina.

Insofar as personal achievements are concerned, both can also boast specific titles that nobody is ever likely to equal. Ronaldo set the record for international goals, while his current number is 117 and counting, from 191 appearances with the Portugal squad. As for Messi, well, absolutely nobody has won more Ballon d’Or awards than the Argentine ace, having been recognised as the best player in world football seven times.

The Unique World Cup Record

Regardless of all their wonderful achievements, there is one record that neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo will ever achieve. That is, unless they somehow manage to register an almost impossible tally of goals, while representing Argentina and Portugal respectively, during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

There is one record which could stand the test of time, and that record is currently held by now retired Germany striker Miroslav Klose, who holds the title of having scored the most FIFA World Cup goals. The record tally that he established stands at 16 goals in 24 appearances, spread over four separate World Cup tournaments with his national team.

Klose also remains the highest ever scorer for Germany, having scored a total of 71 goals in 137 international appearances, which surpassed the long-standing record set by national team legend Gerd Müller. In addition, Klose also surpassed another iconic footballer to achieve his World Cup goals record, edging ahead of the ‘other’ superstar named Ronaldo, the one who dazzled for Brazil.

According to the All-time World Cup tournament scorers list, Portuguese marvel Ronaldo currently has 7 goals in 17 appearances. Meanwhile, the number for Argentine maestro Messi stands at 6 goals in 19 appearances. For this reason, Ronaldo would need to score 9 more goals, and Messi would need another 10, if either player hopes to match the record of Klose. Unlikely and improbable? Maybe, but not entirely impossible for these two icons.

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