The eternal rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo continues. At least, the latest comments from the Portuguese star fuel the ongoing tradition of comparing the two through every possible angle, and now the Argentine has set a new, unprecedented record—one that might just infuriate the former Real Madrid icon.

The combined goal count of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo is staggering, yet significant differences emerge when the details are examined closely. One of those differences favors Messi, who just reached 850 career goals, a milestone that Ronaldo achieved earlier, though with a positive twist for the Rosario native: he accomplished it in fewer matches. While Messi reached this total in 1,081 official games, it took Ronaldo 1,179.

If age is taken into account, the gap grows: Messi, at 37 years and 138 days old, surpassed this barrier sooner than Ronaldo, who hit the same milestone at 38 years and 210 days. Next up for Messi? Perhaps reaching 900 goals. Only time will tell if he achieves this, but his contract with Inter Miami gives him over a year to try.

Ronaldo’s Encrypted Message to Messi

Cristiano Ronaldo is on the verge of turning 40, and though he’s 92 goals away from the thousand mark, he acknowledges that he “can no longer think long-term”—an emotional statement as he reflects on the passing of time, a reality that even one of the world’s greatest players can’t ignore.

In his recent remarks, Ronaldo sent a veiled message to Lionel Messi, emphasizing that he’ll always be able to boast of being the most prolific forward in football history. “If I get to 1,000 goals, great. But even if I don’t, I am the player with the most official goals in history,” said the former Real Madrid striker, who, with 908 goals, still holds a lead over Messi’s 850, making him the second-highest scorer in football history.

“To be honest, I have myself to blame: in life, in certain things, in football, on a personal level, I now live in the moment, and I think that’s the most important thing. We don’t need to think long-term; I can’t think long-term anymore. That’s it: live in the moment, enjoy the moment. Whatever I’m fit to do now, I’ll do,” Ronaldo remarked during a tribute at the Portuguese Football Federation.

Ronaldo’s speech resonated deeply among fans and figures in the football world, as his words quickly connected with the historic rivalry he’s maintained with Lionel Messi. Both players competed for the title of the world’s best footballer for more than a decade, a rivalry in scope and longevity unmatched by legends like Pelé and Diego Maradona, whose careers were considerably shorter.