In response to these allegations, Al Nassr insider Nawaf Al Tamimi reported that the club “will file an official complaint against Ivan Toney and Galeno with the Disciplinary Committee on Sunday”.

The frustration from the Al Ahli camp stems from several disputed calls during their draw, with the club claiming they were denied three clear penalties. One such incident occurred in the 98th minute, a moment Al Ahli believe could have shifted the result and kept them closer in the title hunt.

Toney and Galeno unlikely to face suspension

Despite the severity of the accusations—specifically Toney’s criticism of the referees and Galeno’s implication of bias toward Ronaldo—legal experts do not expect the duo to face match suspensions.

Legal analyst Ahmed Al Sheikhi noted on the Saudi program Nadina that the players will likely receive financial fines instead. He cited similar precedents in the league, such as a 30,000 riyal fine previously issued to Al Nassr manager Jorge Jesus for comments regarding Al Hilal’s political influence.

SPL refutes claims of official misconduct

Adding to the tension, Toney claimed that during a VAR review, the fourth official made a disparaging comment to his team. “I don’t know if the referee turned off his microphone before he said what he told me: ‘Focus on the Asian Champions League,'” Toney said during his post-match interview. “This is why we need the audio recordings to be released, so the fans can see the truth”.

However, reports from Saudi Arabia indicate that the Referees Committee has already reviewed the audio recordings from the officiating crew and found no evidence to support Toney’s claims.

“Hand over the trophy, that’s what they want. They want to knock us out of the championship by any means necessary,” Galeno wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) account. “They want to hand the trophy to one person. A total lack of respect for our club”.

While Galeno did not name anyone, his reference to handing the trophy to “one person” is widely viewed as a jab at Ronaldo. Al Nassr currently sit atop the table, and Ronaldo is still searching for his first official piece of silverware since joining the club.

Inside the Al Ahli officiating controversy

The frustration stems from Al Ahli’s 1-1 draw with Al Fayha, a match defined by three separate penalty claims that went uncalled. Striker Ivan Toney also slammed the officiating, suggesting the decisions were “clearly influenced” by outside factors.

The tension reached a breaking point in the 98th minute when a VAR review failed to overturn a non-call on what appeared to be a blatant handball by an Al Fayha defender. Despite the review, the referee stood by his original decision, denying Al Ahli a potential game-winning opportunity.

Following the match, Al Ahli issued a formal statement on X demanding a full review of match footage and communications between the officiating crew and the VAR room, while seeking a formal explanation for the controversial decisions.

Ronaldo closing in on first Saudi title

The stalemate leaves Al Ahli four points adrift of the top, while Al Nassr sit in first place with 70 points and a game in hand. Should Al Nassr defeat Al Akhdoud on Saturday, April 11, Ronaldo’s side would open up a five-point lead over second-place Al Hilal with just 18 points left to play for.

With six matches remaining (seven for Al Nassr pending Saturday’s result), Ronaldo is on the verge of ending his trophy drought in Saudi Arabia and securing his first official championship since his arrival in early 2023.

36 years separated the title Ruggeri celebrated in Mexico from the trophy Messi lifted at Qatar 2022, which gave Argentina their third World Cup star. Now, Messi and company will be looking to go back to back — something Ruggeri almost did in 1990, when Argentina lost to Germany in a controversial final.

The legendary defender, who had 97 international caps, went on to win two Copa America titles (1991, 1993) and a FIFA Confederations Cup in 1992 before retiring from international soccer.

His club career included stints with iconic Argentine teams such as Boca Juniors, River Plate, and San Lorenzo; and most notably, a Real Madrid tenure from 1989-90. Ruggeri also took his talents to Liga MX, playing for Club America from 1992-1993.

Decades later, following an eight-year managerial career and firmly established as a TV analyst and commentator in Argentina, Ruggeri sits down with Bolavip to discuss a wide number of topics.

Ruggeri’s World Cup experience and expectations for 2026

Bolavip: What do World Cup years mean to you? Especially since the 1986 title.

Oscar Ruggeri: Well, special. Special. I walked in here and you guys were around. You didn’t notice, but I didn’t even look at you. I looked at this right here (the World Cup). It’s something… You say “Look at the Cup,” the most beautiful one of all.

When a World Cup starts, with so many teams competing, and (Carlos) Bilardo telling us “look, if we’re not there until the last day it’s a failure,” meaning we had to play the final, and in the final you walk out onto the pitch and the Cup is right there inside, and we couldn’t look at it. We couldn’t touch it, we couldn’t do anything until the match was over.

But World Cup years give me adrenaline, joy… You know, like we start all over again, like we’re just kids. When we head over there, now that we’re going to travel in June, right? When I’m traveling, it’s like I imagine I’m going to play it again. It’s incredible. This is incredible, what these guys are going through right now as well, and with the chance of being serious candidates to repeat, in my opinion.

BV: You recently mentioned that many teams participate. This year, in fact, the World Cup expands to 48 teams. How many changes have you seen in the World Cup from the one you won onwards? Especially in recent years.

Ruggeri: Well, lots of changes in soccer terms, right? For example, we didn’t have VAR, there was nothing. They’d raise the flag, the linesman raised it and it was offside. And if they called you offside, the play was over. That changed a lot. … It also became a huge business, right?

But look, we go around and around and around in terms of number of teams, but it’s always the same ones in the finals, it’s always the same — Argentina, France, Spain, Germany, England, Brazil — it never changes. That’s the reality.

BV: And what does it take to win a World Cup? Many teams participate, only a few manage to win it.

Ruggeri: You need to have a different kind of player, a genius, like the one we have (with Lionel Messi), like the one we had (with Diego Maradona). But that it’s not enough, right? Let me explain. Why isn’t it enough? It’s not enough, because if you don’t have a great team behind those geniuses, who in those tight matches do something different and break the deadlock and you keep going… It just doesn’t work.

“It’s always the same teams in the World Cup finals — Argentina, France, Spain, Germany, England, Brazil — it never changes.”

Because look — Maradona played in four World Cups I think, Messi five (2026 would be his sixth). And we won only two World Cups combined with these two geniuses. So that means the team has a huge responsibility. The team has a great setup, so that these geniuses can function freely.

Argentina’s chances of repeating World Cup title

BV: How do you see the Argentine national team this year? You were just saying you believe they can repeat?

Ruggeri: Yes, yes, I think so. I see them doing well. Do you know what I like? That it’s not just the exact same players from four years ago. There have been replacements and those replacements have played really well.

Honestly, they did it really well in the matches, like Thiago (Almada), like several players, right? And it makes me happy because it means there’s a new generation. Cholo’s son (Giuliano Simeone), who’s doing really well. I still believe that (Angel) Di Maria, in my opinion, they’ll convince him and he’ll end up going to the World Cup.

BV: This year Lionel Messi has the chance to go for back-to-back World Cups. You and Diego came very close to achieving it in 1990. What was it like? How do you experience…

Ruggeri: Well, no, we didn’t “come close,” no… they scammed us. Because it wasn’t a penalty, imagine with the VAR. But you see how quickly I say if we’d had VAR, that German penalty wouldn’t have been given and I don’t know how it would have ended. And if we’d had (Claudio) Cannigia, with everyone fit, I think it would have been a different game.

But then they tell me “What about Diego’s handball?”, right? But what about the goal he scored after that, dribbling past everyone? That’s just how it is.

BV: And from your experience, how do you prepare for a World Cup like that? A World Cup where you go looking to repeat the title, not win it for the first time. It will happen to Messi now.

Ruggeri: Well, it’s like that weight was lifted from them, so now they know what it’s like. And they already know what the final stages are like, everything that’s at stake. In every match you have to get up well because you have to be on point so as not to give any advantage away, because you’re going to face the best, and the best don’t forgive you.

Ruggeri’s 2026 World Cup favorites besides Argentina

BV: Who are the best for you? Who are the other contenders?

Ruggeri: For me, Spain, France, and England — I see very good players in them, I’m not sure about them as a unit — but I’ll still put them in. The Germans. We get frustrated, but somehow, they might not show much early on, and then you see them among the top four. And I think Brazil will improve.

BV: And what do you think about the Finalissima that was canceled against Spain? Do yo think it would have been a good test for Argentina?

Ruggeri: Yes, absolutely. It would have been a good test because they were two of the contenders that the world was going to watch to see what would happen. That Spain team with a midfield that holds the ball a lot and so do we. It would have been beautiful, it would have been great.

“The difference between South American and European soccer? Look, take out all the South American players from European soccer and see what the teams do…”

BV: And one of the things that’s always put to the test at World Cups is South American soccer versus European soccer. How do you see that difference?

Ruggeri: Yes, it’s very simple. Look, take out all the South American players from European soccer and see what the teams do, and bring all the South Americans back. All the Argentines playing over there, bring them to our championship and see if people don’t start watching this league.

And that’s the reality of South American soccer, because Brazilians, Uruguayans, Paraguayans, Colombians, Venezuelans, Bolivians — there’s everything. I think that makes it even richer.

“I think Brazil will improve. When we go there, and Brazil play, you look with respect for the history”

BV: You recently mentioned Brazil. Do you think they can pull off an upset at the World Cup, despite their situation in the qualifiers?

Ruggeri: I don’t know what you’d call upset, to improve?

BV: To improve.

Ruggeri: I think they’ll improve, yes. Then I’m not sure if they will pull off the big upset. But it’s Brazil. When we go there, and Brazil play, you look with respect for the history. History marks what I said at the beginning. You know, those national teams with a lot of history, they throw all of that to you on the pitch.

Messi at 2026 World Cup

BV: Talking about Lionel Messi, we talked about him before for a bit, how do you see him heading into this World Cup?

Ruggeri: Great, great. This might be his last World Cup. He’ll prepare in the best possible way, I have no doubt about that. And he’ll try to do what he did in the last World Cup, to be the the captain, the leader, to carry the group forward, right? It’s another chance he has to lift the Cup.

They’ve already lived it, and being fortunate that, when the World Cups end, they can go in with the family, they can take photos. I saw them at the last World Cup taking photos with their kids, with the Cup right there inside. We couldn’t see each other because we got swarmed and we couldn’t take a photo.

“Messi moving to the US? Possibly that was also a family decision”

BV: In that sense, do you think it’s something that has improved at World Cups?

Ruggeri: Yes, absolutely. Yes, they’ve improved it a lot. I think that’s a sign of respect for those who’ve become world champions, for their families who’ve suffered so much, who’ve had such a hard time. That, honestly, you have to congratulate everyone, FIFA, everyone.

BV: Getting back to Messi, after he won the Qatar World Cup, he decided to play in the United States. What do you think of him spending the last years of his career in that league?

Ruggeri: More than playing in the US, possibly that was also a family decision, right? To step back a little from what Barcelona was, because it makes sense that he can’t go out, he can’t go out that much in the US either because they already know him, everyone knows him…

BV: And in France he didn’t have a great time.

Ruggeri: In France he didn’t have a great time, but, in the United States I see him walking around the supermarket. You can see he walks around more freely, they don’t mob him, you know? I think that’s possibly what he’s looking for.

Comparisons between Messi and Maradona, Ronaldo, Yamal

BV: What do you think about the comparisons that have always been made with Maradona?

Ruggeri: I don’t think we should make them, because they’re both Argentine, because they’re both geniuses. Comparing geniuses is hard, right? Now, if you ask me personally, I played 11 years with Maradona. I can’t be objective. Ask the guys who played with Messi and they’ll say Messi. But that’s normal and understandable.

Now, we, the people, in the streets, people on television, on the shows, we shouldn’t, we shouldn’t pit them against each other, we shouldn’t compare them, because here we, unfortunately, are living in this world of divisions.

“If another genius comes along after Messi and Maradona, then it means God lives here with us.”

So we put it as “no, Maradona, is like this, and Messi like this” and we immediately take sides, why? If they’re both Argentine, both captains of the Argentine national team who became world champions, let’s make the most of both of them, right?

I mean, look, when Diego was leaving, in those last championships we played, the US World Cup, I thought, “oof, now we need another one like him” and another one came along. If then another comes, it means God lives here with us and is giving us a huge hand.

“Ronaldo is a star, a very good player, but he’s not a genius like Messi.”

BV: And Messi not only suffered, so to speak, the comparisons with Maradona on a historical level, but also current comparisons like with Cristiano Ronaldo. What do you think about it?

Ruggeri: Nothing. It wouldn’t even cross my mind to discuss the subject, because there’s a huge difference between the genius we have and the other one, who is a great player. Messi is a genius and Ronaldo is a star. He’s truly a star, a very good player, but he’s not a genius like Messi.

BV: And how do you see Lamine Yamal, who’s also starting to draw comparisons? Especially in Spain.

Ruggeri: Yes, well, he’s a kid who’s just starting out, he’s just beginning. He’s playing well, he needs to come down to earth a bit. He needs to take it a little easy because, I heard him, some statements, saying he was going to be better than Messi. That he was going to win more Ballons d’Or. Why? Do it, once you’ve achieved it, then we’ll say what we see. Right now, he’s not even close to him.

Active Argentine stars

BV: In your position, the Argentine national team today has a key player like Cristian Romero. You played at Real Madrid, do you image him potentially joining that kind of club?

Ruggeri: Yes, for sure. If I were Florentino Pérez — I’d go after him, no doubt about it. He’s a fantastic player, a serious player for the position, who formed a great partnership with (Nicolas) Otamendi. Incredible, right? Because you know, we always talk about the attacking side, the ones who decide things, who create plays, who score the goals, everything. But we don’t talk about the defense, right? We talk, but not that much.

But we also had a defense and a goalkeeper… The goalkeeper (Emiliano Martinez) was incredible. Against France, that save with his foot… I was up there, we were done. If it was (Kylian) Mbappe, we were done, but that’s what it means to have a keeper like that. We have two or three great center-backs and we’re in good shape. I think we are doing pretty well, pretty good.

That’s why I dare say we are contenders again, because this team never stopped playing well, right? People asked me about us, we didn’t play like this team after the World Cup. We didn’t play so well like this team, the way these guys play, they play in a certain way, how they manage the ball. Honestly, it’s a pleasure watching them.

BV: Do you think the performances at clubs is completely separate from how they perform for the national team?

Ruggeri: Yes, absolutely, don’t even doubt it. Remember when it was hard for Argentina to win, to become champions, they were incredible at their clubs and everyone would say “no, but they shine at the club they come to the national team and we don’t win.” I don’t know if you remember.

“We didn’t play like this Argentina team after the World Cup. We didn’t play this well”

At the beginning they said “Messi shines at Barcelona, scores goals left and right. He wins titles, he wins everything, but when he comes to Argentina and nothing”, he even quit the national team. Even Di Maria cried and Di Maria never dropped his guard.

But that’s in the past now. When they get together with the national team, you see freshness, you can see they’re happy, that they’re thrilled to get back together. That’s what I see from the outside. No, I’m not there. I don’t see them personally, but that’s the image they give.

BV: The World Cup could rocket many players’ careers to new heights. It already happened with Enzo Fernandez at the Qatar World Cup…

Ruggeri: Enzo is amazing.

BV: … making the move from Benfica to Chelsea, and now there’s a lot of talk about his future at Chelsea, that he could take yet another step.

Ruggeri: Yes, for sure. How that kid has grown, so calmly, so mature. Captain in England! It’s not easy to wear the captain’s armband, these players we have… That guy is a man, you know? He plays in a simple, clean way.

We have a midfield, we don’t talk about the midfield enough, we have a great midfield too, right? They manage the ball brilliantly, no rush. They play with calm. If it’s not on, they go back. Start again. We are well balanced.

“Julian Alvarez has no ceiling.”

BV: Another player also involved in transfer rumors because of his great level is Julian Alvarez, who is at Atletico Madrid with Simeone…

Ruggeri: I love Julian.

BV: There’s talk that Barcelona want him, or that he could go back to the Premier League, where he already played with Manchester City. What do you think? Should he stay with Simeone?

Ruggeri: I’d like him to stay with “Cholo” (Simeone), because “Cholo” knows him, he knows what the kid is like, the kid has no ceiling and can play anywhere. That’s for sure.

Those are the kind of strikers that as a defender I’d dread facing because you can’t pin him down. He shows up on the right, on the left. You can’t track him like those classic number nines, like (Erling) Haaland who plant themselves there. He’s a goal scorer, but Julian comes from deep. He strikes the ball very well. Did you see his goals?

BV: Yes, he also takes free kicks.

Ruggeri: He takes free kicks. Though I think if there’s a free kick, I don’t think he’ll be getting near the ball with the captain (Messi) around. I think he’ll tell him “go out of there for the rebound,” but it’s another option we have, of course.

BV: Argentina also have Lautaro Martinez, it’s like they have the luck of having top strikers.

Ruggeri: And the strikers who’ve come through now! I honestly didn’t know them. This coaching staff handles even those things very well. Nobody slips past them. When there’s someone who is doing things right, they go watch him and bring him in.

Lionel Scaloni’s job with Argentina

BV: Do you think that has been Lionel Scaloni‘s greatest strength in his process, identifying players? Because he rebuilt the squad after Russia 2018.

Ruggeri: Yes, yes. Because Scaloni came from nowhere when nobody believed in him and he did everything right. He has a coaching staff that knows soccer. They all played for the national team. With a very low profile.

Because look, if I ask you, tell me what (Roberto) Ayala’s voice sounds like, you don’t know. Same for (Walter) Samuel, you don’t know how he talks, he says nothing, (Pablo) Aimar even less. I mean, look at the three I’m naming. Three elite national team players with a very low profile, they’re doing a very good job.

“Scaloni came from nowhere when nobody believed in him”

BV: Yes, there’s a joint effort with Diego Placente (Argentina U20 manager) and the youth teams.

Ruggeri: Everyone, everyone, of course, Placente watches them, he must tell them “Look, there’s a kid like this, who moves this way.” They must work in a similar way. It’s very good, everything is very well put together. We’re in good shape.

WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH OSCAR RUGGERI ON BOLAVIP US:

With Toney’s latest goal, the English striker now has 27 goals this season, stretching his lead to four over the 23 goals Ronaldo has netted for Al Nassr. With six matches remaining in the season, Cristiano must also overtake Al Qadisah’s Julian Quiñones, who currently sits on 26 goals.

Toney’s recent strike also saw him reach a historic milestone, as the Englishman equaled Omar Al-Somah’s record for the most goals scored by a player in a single season for Al Ahli.

Heavy controversy in Al Ahli draw

Al Ahli’s draw against Al Fayha was riddled with controversy, to the point that Ivan Toney slammed the referee for failing to award his team a penalty on three separate occasions.

The former Brentford striker posted a message on his Instagram account harshly criticizing the official, attaching videos of the three plays where his team claimed a penalty that went uncalled.

“Two of these actions went to VAR and one didn’t. It’s actually crazy how you can miss things like this in crucial moments or choose to turn a blind eye…” Toney wrote. “…Next time if needed I can bring someone from my area that doesn’t have a clue about football to do a MUCH better job than some of these clowns!“

Toney targets fourth official

The controversy extended beyond the alleged uncalled penalties. Following the match, in an on-field interview with Saudi network Thmanyah, Toney claimed that during a VAR review, the fourth official told his team they should focus on a different competition rather than the Saudi Pro League.

“I don’t know if the referee turned off his microphone before he said what he told me: ‘Focus on the Asian Champions League.‘ This is why we need the audio recordings to be released, so the fans can see the truth,” Toney said in his on-field interview.

Following the uproar, Al Ahli published a statement on their official X account demanding that authorities review all match recordings and communications between the referees and VAR. Furthermore, the club requested formal explanations regarding the officiating decisions made during the match.

After the game, Toney posted a message on his Instagram account strongly criticizing the official for failing to award Al Ahli a penalty on three different occasions. Additionally, the English forward attached videos of the three plays where his team claimed a penalty that went uncalled.

“Two of these actions went to VAR and one didn’t. It’s actually crazy how you can miss things like this in crucial moments or choose to turn a blind eye. And without saying too much that may get me in trouble, it’s clear what’s being influenced here!!!“ Toney wrote on his Instagram. “Next time if needed I can bring someone from my area that doesn’t have a clue about football to do a MUCH better job than some of these clowns!!!!!“

Al Ahli release official statement

Following the draw filled with controversial decisions, Al Ahli did not hesitate to release an official statement via their account on X (formerly Twitter). In the post, the Saudi club demanded that authorities conduct a review of all match footage and communications between the referees and VAR, while seeking explanations for the officiating decisions made during the game.

“Al Ahli Club expresses its deep concern over the refereeing errors that occurred during today’s first-team match against Al Fayha in Round 29 of the Roshn Saudi League. Several referee decisions directly impacted the match flow and final result, affecting the team’s standing in the title race…”

“…Al Ahli Club calls for a review of all match footage and communications between the referees and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team, as well as any interactions with the players during the game. The club also requests clarifications on all contentious refereeing decisions…”

Toney pulls away from Ronaldo in Golden Boot race

Despite failing to secure the three vital points to stay closer in the Saudi Pro League title hunt, Toney scored in his team’s draw to extend his lead over Cristiano Ronaldo in the Golden Boot race.

The English striker reached 27 goals and now holds a four-goal lead over Ronaldo with seven matches remaining in the season. Additionally, Toney equaled Omar Al-Somah’s record for the most goals scored by a player in a single season for Al Ahli.

The French striker pulled one back in the 74th minute, breathing life into Real Madrid after a 2–0 deficit. The hosts nearly snatched a late equalizer, denied only by a sensational performance from Manuel Neuer.

With that clinical finish, Mbappe reached 14 goals in the current Champions League campaign, making him just the seventh player in history to accomplish the feat. According to a report from MisterChip, the French superstar now enters an elite circle of icons including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Robert Lewandowski, Karim Benzema, Ruud van Nistelrooy, and Jose Altafini.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s legendary record remains unmatched

Despite departing European soccer in November 2022, Cristiano Ronaldo still reigns supreme in the Champions League record books. The Portuguese icon holds the all-time record for the most goals in a single campaign, having netted an incredible 17 goals during Real Madrid’s 2013-14 title run.

His dominance doesn’t stop there; Ronaldo also claims the second-highest tally in history with 16 goals in the 2015-16 season. Even the third-place spot features his name, as his 15-goal performance in 2017-18 remains tied for the bronze medal alongside Karim Benzema (2021-22) and Robert Lewandowski (2019-20).

Mbappe closing in on Ronaldo’s historic mark

With his scoring touch firing on all cylinders, Mbappe sits on the verge of history with 14 goals in 10 matches. The French superstar now has a legitimate chance to chase down Cristiano Ronaldo’s single-season Champions League record before this campaign concludes.

To make it happen, Real Madrid must first overturn their deficit against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. Mbappe currently trails Ronaldo’s legendary 17-goal benchmark by three strikes—a gap that remains a tall order to close in a single night against a defensive powerhouse like Bayern, but one that stays within reach if Madrid advances.

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored just one header in 2026, on February 21 against Al-Hazem. The match ended 4-0 in favor of Al Nassr during the 23 Matchday of the Saudi Pro League.

Ronaldo has had a prolific start to 2026, totaling 10 goals across league and cup competitions. Most of his strikes have come with his right foot or from the penalty spot, but his aerial ability remains undeniable, and more headed goals are likely throughout the year.

Messi and heading, a rarely used skill

Known for dazzling with his left foot and long-range shots, Messi surprised fans and opponents alike with a less common skill in his repertoire: aerial play. He opened the scoring at 1-1 with a precise header, revealing a facet of his game that, while not his signature, appears in critical moments.

This is not an isolated incident in Messi’s career. In the 2009 UEFA Champions League Final against Manchester United, Messi left his mark with a memorable header for the 2-0 final score for FC Barcelona, a play that remains etched in European soccer history.

Throughout his extraordinary career, the Argentine captain has scored a total of 31 headed goals. While fewer than his other methods of finishing, it is significant given his height (1.70 m) and style of play.

The race to 1,000 goals

With his goal against Austin, Messi reached 903 career goals, leaving 97 to reach the milestone of 1,000. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace in Al Nassr’s 5-2 win over Al Najma. With those goals, Ronaldo reached 967 career goals, putting him 33 away from the historic 1,000-goal mark.

How Messi scored his 903 goals

Messi’s primary weapon, his left foot, accounts for 758 of his career goals, representing the bulk of his scoring output. However, he has proven to be a complete finisher: 110 goals with his right foot and, following his strike against Austin, 31 goals with his head.

While Ronaldo has hit the century mark in league play for Al Nassr, Messi has recorded a total of 57 MLS regular-season appearances for Inter Miami, according to Transfermarkt data as of April 3, 2026.

However, the gap narrows significantly when considering all official competitions, as the Portuguese striker’s total reaches 132 matches while the Argentine’s tally increases to 97 games with the Florida-based club.

Ronaldo and Messi thriving in their new chapters

Both players are enjoying a dominant present at their respective clubs, where they remain the definitive stars. Despite being in the final stages of their illustrious careers, they continue to be decisive for Al Nassr and Inter Miami.

In 132 matches for the Saudi club, Cristiano Ronaldo has registered an impressive record of 117 goals and 23 assists. The only missing piece for the Portuguese legend is securing an official title with his club, though Al Nassr’s current form suggests he could finally end that drought this season.

With Al Nassr’s latest triumph, they sit at the top of the Saudi Pro League with 70 points, maintaining a six-point cushion over rivals Al Hilal (who have a game in hand). As the title race enters its final stretch, this victory brings Ronaldo one step closer to ending his trophy drought in Saudi Arabia.

On the other side of the world, Messi has made a massive impact throughout his 97 games in the United States. The Argentine boasts a remarkable record of 82 goals and 44 assists.

Furthermore, Leo has already led the Herons to three major trophies—the 2023 Leagues Cup, the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, and the 2025 MLS Cup—cementing a legacy that will endure forever in Fort Lauderdale.

The all-time leading scorer in soccer history stepped up exactly when his team needed him most. With the match deadlocked at 2–2, the referee awarded a penalty to Al Nassr. Ronaldo made no mistake, firing a powerful strike into the back of the net to restore the lead for the league leaders.

The penalty was just the beginning of Ronaldo’s dominant return to action. Nearly 20 minutes after converting from the spot, the Portuguese star received a pinpoint pass from Kingsley Coman inside the box and unleashed a powerful strike that left the Al Najma goalkeeper with no chance.

With these two goals, Cristiano Ronaldo has now reached 10 strikes in 2026, bringing his total to 23 goals in the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League season. The Al-Nassr captain is rapidly closing the gap on Julian Quiñones (24 goals) and league leader Ivan Toney (25 goals) in the race for the Golden Boot.

Cristiano Ronaldo closing in on the historic 1,000-goal mark

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to extend his lead as the all-time top scorer in soccer history, with Lionel Messi currently in second place. Following his brace against Al Najma, Ronaldo has reached 967 official career goals, leaving him just 33 strikes away from the unprecedented four-digit milestone.

With his scoring touch firmly intact—having scored six goals in his last five matches—the Al Nassr captain is on a trajectory to potentially become the first player in history to reach 1,000 goals.

Ronaldo nearing first trophy with Al Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo’s brace came exactly when Al Nassr needed it most. With the score deadlocked at 2–2, the captain stepped up as the hero to secure three vital points, keeping his side firmly at the top of the Saudi Pro League standings.

Now sitting on 70 points, Al Nassr hold a six-point lead over rivals Al Hilal (who have a game in hand) as the title race enters its final stretch. This victory brings Ronaldo one step closer to ending his trophy drought in Saudi Arabia and securing his first official major title since joining the club in early 2023.

After overcoming a hamstring injury and completing a specialized rehabilitation process in Madrid, Ronaldo will feature in the starting lineup and wear the captain’s armband today at Al Awwal Park.

On Thursday, manager Jorge Jesus provided a positive injury update on the forward, stating that Ronaldo was ready to rejoin group training—a clear sign that he has made a full recovery and is fit for competition.

How many games did Crisitano miss?

Although Cristiano Ronaldo has been out of action since sustaining an injury on February 28, he ultimately missed only two matches with Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. During his absence, Jorge Jesus’ side secured crucial victories against Neom and Al Khaleej, allowing the club to maintain its position as the sole leader of the championship.

The limited number of missed club games was due to the March FIFA window falling in the middle of his recovery period. However, the injury did prevent him from representing Portugal, where he was absent for the scoreless draw against Mexico and the 2-0 victory over the United States.

Al Nassr confirmed lineup

In addition to the return of Ronaldo, Al Nassr received a significant boost with Sadio Mane being declared fit for today’s encounter. The Senegalese star has overcome an ankle injury that forced him to miss the club’s most recent victory, ensuring manager Jorge Jesus has his full attacking arsenal available to face Al Najma.

Confirmed lineup to face Al Najma: Bento; Sultan, Simakan, Al Amri, Saad; Brozovic, Angelo, Ghareeb; Mane, Alhamdan, Cristiano Ronaldo.

“The national team has already determined its opponent for the last preparation match before the 2026 World Cup. Portugal will face Nigeria on June 10,” the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) officially confirmed on Thursday.

While there is no venue confirmed, reports indicate that the match is set to take place at the Municipal Stadium of Leiria. Additionally, the federation confirmed that just days earlier, Portugal will face Chile on June 6 at the Jamor National Stadium in Lisbon.

A final tune-up for Cristiano

Cristiano Ronaldo was a notable absentee during the March FIFA window, as he was in the final stages of recovery from a hamstring injury sustained while playing for Al Nassr. However, the striker is set to return to action after Jorge Jesus provided a positive injury update on Ronaldo.

Provided there are no further setbacks, the legendary forward is expected to lead the team in these home farewell matches before they depart for North America.

In his absence, Roberto Martinez’s squad recorded mixed results during its tour of the host nations, playing out a scoreless draw against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca and securing a 2–0 victory over the United States at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Repeating the 2022 formula

Ahead of the 2022 Qatar World Cup, the Portuguese national team followed a similar preparation plan by scheduling a friendly against Nigeria just days before the tournament’s kickoff. The two sides met on November 17, 2022—only three days before the World Cup officially began on November 20.

On that occasion, Portugal secured a dominant 4–0 victory at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, featuring a brace from Bruno Fernandes and goals from Goncalo Ramos and Joao Mario. Notably, Cristiano Ronaldo was left out of then-manager Fernando Santos’ squad for that match due to a bout of gastritis.