The age-old rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo continues to heat up as the Argentine superstar drew level with the Portuguese with his jaw-dropping hat-trick against Bolivia. In just his second game back from injury, Messi put on a masterclass performance, scoring three goals and assisting two more in Argentina's 6-0 win in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. With his 10th international hat-trick, Messi now equals Ronaldo's record and is just 21 goals behind him in the overall international goal tally. Their intense competition shows no signs of slowing down even as they enter their late thirties.
Messi and Ronaldo: The Eternal Rivalry
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are two of the greatest footballers of all time. Their rivalry has been one of the most intense and competitive in the history of the sport.
Background
Messi and Ronaldo have been compared to each other since they were teenagers. They both emerged as stars at the same time, and they have both played for some of the biggest clubs in the world. Messi played for FC Barcelona for 21 years, while Ronaldo played for Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus.
Messi is a left-footed forward who is known for his dribbling skills, passing ability, and goalscoring prowess. Ronaldo is a right-footed forward who is known for his speed, aerial ability, and powerful shot.
The Rivalry
The rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo has been fueled by their on-field performances and their off-field rivalry. They have both been accused of being selfish and of trying to outdo each other.
The rivalry reached its peak in 2017 when Ronaldo left Real Madrid to join Juventus. This was seen as a sign that Ronaldo was trying to escape Messi's shadow.
Recent Developments
In recent years, the rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo has cooled down somewhat. This is because they are both entering the twilight of their careers. However, they still remain the two best players in the world.
In 2022, Messi led Argentina to victory in the FIFA World Cup. This was his first major international trophy. Ronaldo, on the other hand, has not won a major trophy with Portugal.
Top 5 FAQs
Ronaldo has scored more goals than Messi. He has scored 829 goals for club and country, while Messi has scored 793 goals.
Messi has won seven Ballon d'Or awards, while Ronaldo has won five.
This is a matter of opinion. Some people believe that Messi is the better player, while others believe that Ronaldo is the better player.
It is unlikely that the rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo will ever end. They are both competitive players who will always want to be the best.
Messi and Ronaldo are both entering the twilight of their careers. It is likely that they will retire in the next few years. However, they will continue to be remembered as two of the greatest footballers of all time.
Juventus fullback Andrea Cambiaso believes that Italy played well in their match against France, despite ultimately losing 3-1. Both teams were already qualified for the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals, but the top spot in the group was still up for grabs. Despite the loss, Cambiaso and the rest of the Azzurri put up a strong fight and nearly equalized in the final minutes, showing resilience after their disappointing Euro 2024 campaign.
After a tense match, Croatia and Portugal ended with a 1-1 draw in Group A1 of the UEFA Nations League, securing Croatia's spot in the quarterfinals. Both teams fought hard, but ultimately couldn't break the deadlock. This result means that Portugal will have to fight for their place in the tournament in their upcoming match against Sweden. Keep following Al Jazeera English for all the latest updates on the UEFA Nations League.
In a nail-biting match, Croatia and Portugal face off in Group A1 of the UEFA Nations League, both vying for a spot in the quarterfinals. After an intense 90 minutes, the game ends in a 1-1 draw, securing Croatia's place in the next round. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis on the tournament as it progresses.
During the 39th FIVB World Congress, Achyuta Samanta, founder of KIIT and KISS, was honored with the highest recognition from FIVB – the Grand Cross Award. This prestigious award recognizes Samanta's exceptional contributions in promoting and developing volleyball at the grassroots level. FIVB President Ary Graça presented the award at a ceremony attended by representatives from 222 countries, acknowledging Samanta's impact on sports and education globally. Samanta dedicated the award to Lord Jagannath and the people of India, especially those in Odisha, KIIT, and KISS.
Dr. Achyuta Samanta, the Founder of KIIT and KISS, has been awarded the Grand Cross Award by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) for his remarkable contributions to the development of sports, particularly volleyball. This prestigious recognition was presented to him during the 39th FIVB World Congress, attended by representatives from 222 countries. Dr. Samanta's dedication and efforts in promoting sports at national and global levels have been highly appreciated, making him a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.
The Founder of KIIT and KISS, Dr. Achyuta Samanta, has been awarded the Grand Cross Award, the highest honour from the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB). The recognition was given for his admirable efforts in promoting and developing sports, with a focus on volleyball. The prestigious award was presented to him by FIVB President Dr. Ary Graca at the 39th FIVB World Congress in Portugal, attended by representatives from 222 countries.
Dr Samanta, the founder of KIIT and KISS, was presented with the Grand Cross Award by FIVB President Dr Ary Graca at the 39th FIVB World Congress in Porto, Portugal. This prestigious recognition acknowledges Dr Samanta's outstanding contributions in promoting sports, particularly volleyball. Representatives from 222 countries praised his remarkable achievements in sports and education as he dedicated the award to Lord Jagannath and all sports enthusiasts and athletes of India.
In an intense and exciting match, Portugal's Joao Felix secured their victory against Croatia with a beautiful goal. Fans were on the edge of their seats as Portugal maintained their lead against a tough opponent until the final whistle. Despite some substitutions, including Leao being replaced by Fabio Silva, Portugal's strong performance led them to their second win in the UEFA Nations League.
With two games left in the Oceania semi-finals, New Zealand's All Whites coach Darren Bazeley is determined to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup in North America. After finishing top of their group with a dominant 8-0 victory over Samoa, the team faces Fiji in their semi-final match in March. Bazeley recognizes the challenge of facing weaker opposition, but remains optimistic and determined to prepare his team for success.
Spain's La Roja are set to face Switzerland in their final Nations League group match as they aim to secure another title. With progress to the quarter-finals already confirmed, Spain may use this game as an opportunity to try out new strategies and players. Ayoze Perez, who scored the winner for Spain in their last match, is a doubt for tonight's clash due to an injury. Meanwhile, several younger players could make their debut for the European champions.