'What Ronaldo excels at will be matched by Messi'

Lionel Messi is anticipated to equal the remarkable record of Cristiano Ronaldo, with both legends aiming for the 1000-goal mark in their careers.

Lionel Messi is trusted to replicate the extraordinary feat of his great rival Cristiano Ronaldo as he nears the milestone of 1000 career goals. Meanwhile, the Portuguese superstar has already reached 950 goals and continues to play for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, Messi is expected to achieve the same after extending his contract with Inter Miami in the MLS.

This opinion comes from former Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder, who left Real Madrid in the summer of 2009, just as Ronaldo joined Santiago Bernabeu as the new “Galactico.” Ronaldo later scored 450 goals for Real Madrid, becoming the club’s all-time top scorer. Adding goals scored for Sporting, Manchester United, Juventus, and 143 goals for Portugal’s national team, CR7 has now surpassed 950 career goals. At age 40, he has declared he won’t retire until reaching 1000 goals.

Meanwhile, Lionel Messi shows no signs of slowing down. The Argentine superstar is having a brilliant season in the US, winning the “MLS Golden Boot 2025” and helping Inter Miami reach the conference semifinals in the playoffs. With 42 goals this season and a total of 894 goals for club and country, Messi continues to prove his ageless class.

His new contract keeps Messi in South Florida at least until 2028, providing a great opportunity to hit the 1000-goal mark. Wesley Sneijder believes this is entirely achievable: “I think that’s the next goal for both, definitely 100%. Ronaldo won’t stop until he reaches 1000 goals, and Messi will do it too with his two-year extension. It’s amazing that we’re still talking about this race with one in MLS and the other in Saudi Arabia. Now, they both aim for the 1000-goal milestone. Incredible. Maybe soon we’ll have to count assists to see who hits 2000 first.”

The debate over “Who is the GOAT?” between Messi and Ronaldo remains unresolved, dividing fans worldwide. However, Sneijder remains neutral: “In my view, this debate is pointless because they are two completely different types of players. Who is better, Johan Cruyff or Pele? Pele or Maradona? We shouldn’t compare them. Both are great. Since retiring, I’ve been asked this question about 200 times, and I answer 100 times Messi, 100 times Ronaldo.”

Messi and Ronaldo might face each other one more time on the field, as both are expected to participate in the 2026 World Cup final tournament held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Argentina enters as the defending champion, while Portugal aims for its first-ever world title, the only major trophy missing from Ronaldo’s extensive collection.

When asked which team will lift the trophy at the upcoming tournament, Sneijder responded: “It’s hard to say! Portugal has a very strong squad, and I think they are one of the top contenders. So, I believe Ronaldo has a better chance than Messi to win the next World Cup. Argentina had a fantastic tournament in Qatar but also got a bit lucky. Overall, Portugal is the more complete team.”

Currently, Argentina (as reigning champions) has already qualified for the world’s biggest football event, and Messi is expected to participate despite rumors about his international retirement. Meanwhile, Portugal is close to securing their World Cup spot, with matches against Ireland and Armenia ahead. Ronaldo has stated he does not need a World Cup win to validate the great legacy he has built.

Related articles

Confirmed: Messi leaves Inter Miami to return to a European club Fabrizio Romano has addressed rumors that Lionel Messi might join Galatasaray on a short-term loan during the January transfer window. See more