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Messi Makes History With 60 Assists as Ronaldo Breaks World Cup Qualifying Record

Lionel Messi has rewritten the history books by becoming the all-time international assist leader with 60 assists. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to break records at age 40, setting a new mark for most World Cup qualifying goals. Messi's two assists helped Argentina cruise to a 6-0 victory over Puerto Rico in Florida. Ronaldo's brace wasn't enough for Portugal to secure qualification, as they drew 2-2 with Hungary.

Key Points: Messi Breaks International Assist Record, Ronaldo Sets Qualifying Mark

  • Messi recorded two assists in Argentina's 6-0 victory over Puerto Rico
  • Ronaldo scored twice to reach 41 World Cup qualifying goals
  • Argentina dominated with goals from Mac Allister, Martinez and Montiel
  • Portugal must wait until next month to secure World Cup qualification
2 min read

Messi carves name in history for assists; Ronaldo becomes most prolific goal-scorer in World Cup Qualifiers

Lionel Messi becomes all-time international assist leader with 60, while Cristiano Ronaldo sets new World Cup qualifying goals record in Portugal's draw with Hungary.

"Messi eclipsed Neymar (58) and Landon Donovan (58) to become the player with the most assists in men's international football."

Florida, October 15

Argentina's prolific forward, Lionel Messi, found a way to topple records and carved his name in history once again after rising to the summit of the top assist-makers in men's international football history.

The Argentinian skipper notched two assists during Argentina's 6-0 rout over Puerto Rico at Chase Stadium in Florida. With a tally of 60, Messi eclipsed Neymar (58) and Landon Donovan (58) to become the player with the most assists in men's international football.

Messi set up goals for Alexis Mac Allister and Lautaro Martinez, who remained clinical, converted the opportunities and finished with a brace. Puerto Rico barely threatened the world champions throughout the 90 minutes as the Albiceleste slotted six goals past their resilient defence.

Gonzalo Montiel struck the net, and an own goal from Steven Echevarria completed the demolition job. Messi made his first international assist at the age of 19 in his World Cup debut in 2006, when Argentina hammered Serbia with a 6-0 win.

Meanwhile, Messi's arch-rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, continued to script new milestones in the international circuit at the age of 40. The veteran goal-scoring machine netted a brace during Portugal's 2-2 draw with Hungary. After Szalai handed Hungary an early lead, Ronaldo restored parity in the 22nd minute and surpassed Guatemala international Carlos Ruiz's tally to register his 40th World Cup qualifying goal, the most in history.

He increased his tally to 41 with a second strike towards the end of the first half to further cement his authority. Overall, Ronaldo now boasts 143 international goals to his name, while the all-time tally reached 947 for club and country. The seasoned striker is just 53 shy of becoming the first player to reach the elusive four figures on the competitive goal front.

Even though he made history, Ronaldo's brace wasn't enough to guarantee Portugal's qualification as the game ended in a draw. Portugal will have to wait until next month to confirm their participation in the 2026 World Cup in America. As Ronaldo continues to dazzle despite being in the twilight phase of his career, he wil be keen to bag his first coveted title.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Messi's assists show true team spirit - creating opportunities for others. That's what makes him special. Meanwhile Ronaldo at 40 still scoring like he's 25! Both are incredible in their own ways.
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Arjun K
Respectfully, while these records are impressive, I wish we had more coverage of Asian football in Indian media. Our own ISL players work hard too! But can't deny Messi and Ronaldo are once-in-a-generation talents.
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Sarah B
Watching from Delhi - Ronaldo's longevity is unbelievable! 40 years old and still breaking records. This is what dedication and hard work looks like. Both legends proving age is just a number! 👏
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Vikram M
Messi started making assists at 19 and still going strong! That's 17 years of world-class performance. Meanwhile Ronaldo chasing 1000 goals - absolutely insane numbers! Football will miss these two when they retire.
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Kavya N
As a football mom in Bangalore, I show these articles to my son who plays for his school team. These players teach us that with passion and consistency, anything is possible! 🇮🇳⚽

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