5 Of Cristiano Ronaldo's Best Records That Lionel Messi Can Now Break In 2023

Cristiano Ronaldo's decision to sign for Saudi club Al Nassr gave Lionel Messi a great chance to surpass some of his former rival's proudest records in European football.

During his stints with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus, Ronaldo established himself as one of the most prolific goalscorers of all time. But some of his records may not last much longer, now he appears to have retired from the top tier of European play and is set to spend his remaining years in the Saudi Pro League.

Lionel Messi, 35, has shown he still has a lot to offer after his stunning performances at Qatar 2022. If he stays in Europe for a few more years, he can topple Ronaldo and claim some of the most impressive records ever. football.

Messi has already equaled one of Ronaldo's records after scoring his 696th goal for a side in Europe's top five leagues in PSG's 2-0 win over Angers in January.

And here are five more of Ronaldo's best records that Messi can now beat.

– Goals in Europe's top five leagues: Cristiano Ronaldo currently holds this record, having won it from Messi. But Ronaldo was denied the chance to reach the 500 mark in Europe's top five leagues after leaving Manchester United prematurely. The Portuguese icon is currently on 495 (311 in La Liga, 103 in the Premier League, 81 in Serie A) - just seven ahead of Messi (474 ​​in La Liga, 13 in Ligue 1 - 487).

It's not at all difficult to imagine Messi scoring seven goals in PSG's last 20 Ligue 1 games. He scored seven out of 13 before the World Cup break. But there is a small possibility that he won't make it this season and then leave Europe to sign for Inter Miami this summer.

Probability: very high

– Goals in European club football: In all competitions, Ronaldo has scored a total of 701 club goals: 450 for Real Madrid, 145 for Manchester United, 101 for Juventus and five for Sporting. Messi is just six behind (695 - 673 for Barcelona, ​​23 for PSG) and will surely, surely top that tally. Don't be surprised if he does by the end of January.

Probability: Almost certain

– Champions League goals: It seems Manchester United's last-16 elimination against Atletico Madrid last season was Ronaldo's last appearance in the competition in which he shone so brightly. The 37-year-old is the top scorer in European Cup history with 140 goals.

Messi was once ahead of him, but now finds himself 11 goals behind (129). The Argentine is closing the gap, but you would imagine he would need a season or two beyond the knockouts of 2022-23 to reach that number. PSG are said to be convinced that they will renew at the Parc des Princes, however, so it could well happen.

By the way, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland are on track to one day overtake Messi and Ronaldo.

Probability: 50-50

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READ: Compare Mbappe's record now to Messi and Ronaldo at age 24

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– Champions League assists: Surprisingly enough, given that Messi has had over 100 more career assists than Ronaldo, it is his rival who holds the record for most assists in the history of the Champions League.

Ronaldo has 41 assists in the Champions League. Messi is j...