The debate of the goat continues between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, as the former broke yet another record during his appearance in Portugal’s UEFA Euro qualifier match against Iceland.
These two have really been the greatest of any soccer generation. They are holders and breakers of many records and have scored countless goals and provided numerous assists throughout their careers.
The world is divided about which one of the two is better, and now Cristiano Ronaldo has gained a boost after reaching a new milestone with his latest appearance, something Lionel Messi is quite far behind in catching up to.
Cristiano Ronaldo wins Guinness World Record for 200 international appearances
The five times Ballon d’Or winning Portuguese talisman has become the first male player ever to make 200 international appearances. Ronaldo, now 38 years old, has played in 200 games for Portugal, nearly 20 years after making his debut. He was honoured by Guinness World Records before the game.
Cristiano Ronaldo gets a Guinness World Record after becoming the first male player EVER to make 200 international appearances š
Still breaking records š pic.twitter.com/bxfNxCytOx
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 20, 2023
And he was still rejoicing at the final whistle, having scored the eventual game-winner from close range to help Portugal maintain its unblemished record in Group J and keep alive its hopes of qualifying for the Euro 2024 tournament.
āSo happy. Itās that kind of moment that you never expect to do it, 200 caps. For me itās an unbelievable achievement,ā Ronaldo told UEFAās website. āOf course, to score the winning goal, itās even more special.ā
Lionel Messi has yet to catch up to Cristiano Ronaldoās international appearances record
The record seven times Ballon d’Or winning Argentinian has to do quite some work to catch up with his arch-rival’s newly broken record. So far, Messi has accumulated 175 international appearances.
Given their age difference (Ronaldo at 38 and Messi at 35), there are all chances that Messi could eventually catch up to Ronaldo’s record. However, the Portuguese forward is showing no signs of hanging up his boots, and he could extend the record even further with the 2024 EURO on the horizon.
200… TWO HUNDRED! š¤Æ
šµš¹ @Cristiano Ronaldo reaches a double century of appearances for @selecaoportugal.
Incredibleš#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/HJSnnXxOub
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 20, 2023
Do you think Messi will be able to reach the most international appearances for a male player one day? Don’t forget to share your take on it in the comments.
