Lionel Messi has matched Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for the most goals in World Cup Qualifiers after scoring twice in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Venezuela on Friday.
The 38-year-old captain struck in the 39th and 80th minutes at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, before Lautaro Martinez added a third to seal the win for the defending world champions.
Messi’s brace brought his tally in World Cup Qualifiers to 36, the same number as Portugal’s Ronaldo. Both men now sit just three goals behind former Guatemala striker Carlos Ruiz, who holds the all-time record with 39 goals.
The crowd in Buenos Aires erupted as Messi walked onto the pitch with his children. Fans rose to their feet in applause for the forward, who remains Argentina’s most celebrated player.
“It was a special night,” Messi told reporters after the game. “To share the moment with my children and hear the support from the fans means everything.”
The Argentina star, who has already won 46 trophies in his career, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup, recently hinted that the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico might be his last.
“I don’t know if I will be there in 2026,” Messi admitted in an earlier interview. “I will see how I feel, but this could be the last.”
With both Messi and Ronaldo nearing the end of their careers, their shared record highlights a rivalry that has defined football for nearly two decades. Fans are now watching closely to see if either legend can overtake Ruiz’s tally before retiring.
