Messi and Ronaldo break international goal and assists records on the same day

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo continued to show their class even in their twilight years after the legendary duo both broke huge records with their performances during the international break.

Having been considered two of the greatest players of all time and the standout stars of the century, the rivals have often gone head-to-head and seen their achievements compared to each other.

Although their rivalry has perhaps eased after their respective transfers outside of Europe, both Messi and Ronaldo have continued to shine at international level in recent times and they reached new heights this week by achieving record feats on the same day.

Messi created two goals in Argentina’s 6-0 friendly win over Puerto Rico to become the all-time international assists leader, overtaking Neymar and Landon Donovan with his 60th assist in his 195th cap.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, scored twice for Portugal to give them a 2-2 draw against Hungary, becoming the player with the most World Cup qualifying goals in history with 41 ahead of Guatemala’s Carlos Ruiz.

The brace was Ronaldo’s 143rd goal for Portugal and the 948th of his career in his 225th appearance, both of which the 40-year-old has more of than any other player at international level.

Messi v Ronaldo: the GOATS go head-to-head

It is perhaps fitting that both players have found another record to break on the same day after a career glittered with incredible and historic achievements and a constant battle for supremacy over one another.

Messi has won more trophies than his counterpart with 45 compared to 34, as well as winning the World Cup with Argentina in 2022, which Ronaldo will be desperate to emulate next summer in his final attempt, although Portugal will have to wait to qualify after conceding a stoppage time equaliser against Hungary.

Ronaldo has scored more goals than Messi, albeit with more games while being two years older than his rival, while the Inter Miami star has also boasted more assists.

However, a recent report showed that Ronaldo had far eclipsed Messi with his earnings off-the-pitch and was named football’s first billionaire earlier this month.

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