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Messi quickly put pressure on Ronaldo. |
While the whole world was waiting to see how the two greatest legends of this generation would perform in their sixth World Cup, Messi gave the answer first. Not just with one goal, but a hat-trick.
Argentina's 3-0 demolition of Algeria on the morning of June 17th not only gave them a dream start, but also brought Leo closer than ever to seemingly unbreakable World Cup records.
Messi's peak
Messi's three goals against the African representative helped him raise his total number of goals in World Cups to 16, equaling the record for most goals in the tournament's history held by German legend Miroslav Klose for over a decade.
More importantly, Leo did it right in the opening match. At the age of 38, a time when many superstars retire or step into reserve roles, Messi is still leading the reigning world champions with top-level football.
He may no longer be capable of those bursts of speed spanning tens of meters like during his peak at Barcelona, but Messi's sharpness, positioning, and killer instinct remain intact.
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Messi had a brilliant performance. |
And that's what puts pressure on Ronaldo. Because in the nearly 20-year race between the two superstars, Messi has once again taken the lead.
While Argentina celebrates their victory and the new historical milestones of their captain, Portugal has yet to play. Ronaldo is still waiting for his opening match. But now, all eyes will be on CR7 more than ever.
Messi has just equaled Klose's record. Messi just scored a hat-trick at the World Cup at the age of 38. Messi has just proven that he is still capable of deciding the biggest matches on the planet. That is why any upcoming performance by Ronaldo will be scrutinized.
Pressure on Ronaldo
Unlike Messi, Ronaldo's most recent World Cup memories are far from pleasant. At Qatar 2022, he lost his starting position, Portugal were eliminated in the quarter-finals, and his controversial goal against Uruguay was ultimately credited to Bruno Fernandes.
That tournament left the most regrets in CR7's international career. Now, at 41, Ronaldo enters what could be his last World Cup determined to prove that he still belongs at the top.
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Ronaldo quickly drew attention with his perfect physique before his debut at the 2026 World Cup. |
In the days leading up to the tournament, the Portuguese superstar consistently sent out signals of confidence. He asserted that he was still in ideal physical condition, even reacting strongly when questioned about his age.
"I'm perfectly fine physically. Didn't you guys watch me play?", Ronaldo retorted.
Shortly after, photos showcasing his toned physique and six-pack abs on the beach continued to circulate widely. The message was clear: CR7 was still ready to fight.
But the World Cup is never decided by statements or training photos. It's decided by moments on the pitch. And Messi has just created the biggest moment of the tournament so far.
Now, the ball is in Ronaldo's court. If CR7 shines, the rivalry between the two legends will continue to escalate. But if he remains silent on the opening day, the gap between the two greatest icons of 21st-century football could widen further.
Messi struck first. And this time, it was a powerful punch.
Source: https://znews.vn/messi-da-thang-ap-luc-do-don-ve-ronaldo-post1660401.html
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