The football world is buzzing after Cristiano Ronaldo officially surpassed Lionel Messi in a key World Cup milestone, reigniting the eternal GOAT debate. On September 6, 2025, Ronaldo’s brace in Portugal’s 5-0 thrashing of Armenia in World Cup qualifiers propelled him to 38 goals in the competition’s qualifying rounds, overtaking Messi’s 36, as reported by World Soccer Talk. This landmark moment, celebrated widely on X with fans posting, “CR7 is unstoppable at 40!”, marks a pivotal chapter in Ronaldo’s quest to cement his legacy as the greatest in World Cup history over his Argentine rival. The performance, described as a “masterclass” by News18, has not only bolstered Portugal’s Group F lead but also shifted the narrative in the Ronaldo-Messi rivalry.
The Armenia match was a turning point for Ronaldo, who, at 40, continues to defy age. His two goals, including a long-range screamer, brought his career tally to 942, inching closer to the 1,000-goal milestone. With Messi sidelined for Argentina’s upcoming qualifier against Ecuador, as confirmed by Footem.in, Ronaldo has a clear path to extend his lead, potentially matching or surpassing Guatemala’s Carlos Ruiz (39 goals) in Portugal’s next match against Hungary on September 9. This achievement has intensified the scrutiny on both players, with clubs worldwide reacting to their enduring brilliance.
Major clubs have taken shocking steps in response to the GOAT debate. Al-Nassr, Ronaldo’s current team, announced a lucrative contract extension through 2027, per AS, signaling their belief in his ability to dominate into his 40s. Meanwhile, Inter Miami, Messi’s MLS club, is reportedly planning a global ambassador role for the Argentine post-retirement, according to The Sun, aiming to capitalize on his brand despite his World Cup qualifier absence. These moves underscore the commercial and competitive stakes of the Ronaldo-Messi rivalry, with both players commanding unparalleled global influence.
The football community remains divided. Ronaldo’s edge in World Cup qualifier goals and international strikes (140 to Messi’s 114, per messivsronaldo.app) bolsters his case, yet Messi’s 2022 World Cup triumph and eight Ballon d’Ors give him a strong claim, as noted by The Guardian. Fans on X are vocal, with one user stating, “Ronaldo’s numbers are insane, but Messi’s magic is unmatched.” The debate has also sparked transfer rumors, with Paris Saint-Germain’s Nasser Al-Khelaïfi reportedly eyeing a last-ditch effort to sign Ronaldo, per Fichajes.net, while Messi’s future with Inter Miami remains secure.
As Ronaldo prepares for Portugal’s remaining qualifiers, the race for World Cup supremacy intensifies. His Armenia performance has set a new benchmark, but Messi’s legacy looms large. The actions of clubs, from contract extensions to ambassadorial roles, reflect the seismic impact of these two icons. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, the GOAT debate is far from settled, and every match adds fuel to this historic rivalry.
