Lionel Messi equals Ronaldo's World Cup qualifying scoring record

(Dan Tri) - Lionel Messi shone on the Buenos Aires field with a double in the farewell match for the Argentina national team, equaling Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup qualifying scoring record.

The match between Argentina and Venezuela in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on the morning of September 5 at Monumental Stadium (Buenos Aires) was Messi's last official match for the national team at home.

What is special is that the striker who won 8 FIFA Golden Balls scored a double in the home team's 3-0 victory and helped Argentina continue to solidify their top position in the South American qualifying round, 10 points ahead of second-placed Brazil and still having a match left to play.

Messi celebrates with teammates after contributing two goals in Argentina's 3-0 win over Venezuela (Photo: Getty).

The double also helped Messi increase his total number of goals in the World Cup qualifiers to 36, thereby officially reaching the same milestone as Ronaldo. However, both Messi and Ronaldo are still behind Carlos Ruiz, who is leading with 39 goals.

With this achievement, Messi continues to affirm his position as the greatest scorer in the history of the Argentina team with 114 goals. Meanwhile, Ronaldo still holds the record for most goals scored in the national team shirt with 138 goals.

Speaking in his farewell match for Argentina at home, Messi shed tears and emotionally shared: "To end like this, here, with my own people, is what I have always dreamed of.

For many years I have received a lot of love in Barcelona. My dream is to have that in my country, with my own people.

I will take with me all the good things we did, with the team that tried but couldn't win the title. Then I had the opportunity, with some players from the previous generation. Everything we experienced was great."

South American World Cup 2026 qualifying standings.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/lionel-messi-can-bang-ky-luc-ghi-ban-cua-ronaldo-tai-vong-loai-world-cup-20250905154433906.htm