Lionel Messi scored his eighth World Cup goal on Saturday, tying legendary soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi, an Argentine soccer star, made the historic goal during Saturday’s high-stakes match against Mexico in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Argentina lost to Saudi Arabia last week, meaning the team would face elimination if they lost to Mexico on Saturday. Messi’s goal brought the team to a 2-0 advantage for a victory against Mexico, electrifying Argentinian soccer fans.
The goal also means that Messi has tied Ronaldo, the Portuguese soccer player who rose to prominence as one of the most iconic footballers in the world. Ronaldo, playing on his home country’s team, made his eighth goal last week in a match against Ghana—also making him the first male soccer player to score in five World Cups.
Markus Gilliar – GES Sportfoto/Getty Images
Messi’s supporters celebrated his goal on social media Saturday afternoon, where he became the top-trending topic in the United States
“Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi both now tied on 8 World Cup goals!!!!!!! True icons and both forever legends!” tweeted Canadian Olympic soccer player Kaylyn Kyle.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi both now tied on 8 World Cup goals!!!!!!! True icons and both forever legends! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻#FIFAWorldCup
— Kaylyn Kyle (@KaylynKyle) November 26, 2022
“With that goal, Messi and Ronaldo are tied for career @FIFAWorldCup goals at 8,” tweeted journalist James Torrez, who praised Messi and Ronaldo as “GOATs,” the acronym for “greatest of all time.”
“We are privileged to see such genius in action. I will always admit I’m a CR7 fan boy but it is an honour to watch Messi. We are in the last few years of Messi and Ronaldo. Let’s enjoy them while they’re here,” tweeted podcast host Bobby Seagull.
We are privileged to see such genius in action. I will always admit I’m a CR7 fan boy but it is an honour to watch Messi. We are in the last few years of Messi and Ronaldo. Let’s enjoy them while they’re here
— Bobby Seagull (@Bobby_Seagull) November 26, 2022
The victory means Messi is one goal closer to setting the record for the most World Cup goals made by a member of the Argentine soccer team. The record is currently held by Gabriel Batistuta, who scored 10 goals across the 1994, 1998 and 2022 FIFA World Cups.
Who Holds the Record for Most World Cup Goals?
Messi and Ronaldo have emerged as two of the world’s most famous soccer players, but neither hold the record for scoring the most World Cup goals.
German soccer player Miroslav Klose currently holds the record for the most World Cup goals scored by an individual player. Klose scored 16 goals while playing in the 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014 tournaments before retiring from playing in the FIFA World Cup.
The second-place title is held by Ronaldo, who has scored 15 World Cup goals. The top three is rounded out by West Germany’s Gerd Müller, who scored 14 goals during tournaments in the 1970s.
Newsweek reached out to Messi’s spokespersons for comment.
