Lionel Messi led Argentina to a dominant 5–0 victory over Zambia in the final match of the March FIFA international window. Following his strike, the spotlight has returned to the ongoing goal-scoring rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo in 2026, particularly as the striker missed Portugal‘s friendlies due to injury.
So far in 2026, both Messi and Ronaldo are deadlocked with eight goals each. The Inter Miami captain’s tally includes two goals during preseason friendlies, four in MLS play, one in the Concacaf Champions Cup, and his latest international goal for Argentina.
In contrast, all eight of Ronaldo’s goals this year have come in the Saudi Pro League. He has recorded 21 total goals during the 2025-26 season, currently placing him third in the Golden Boot race behind Julian Quiñones and Ivan Toney.
Why didn’t Ronaldo play for Portugal in March friendlies?
There was significant anticipation in Mexico and the United States for Cristiano Ronaldo’s appearance in Portugal’s friendlies in both countries. However, manager Roberto Martinez opted not to call up soccer’s all-time leading scorer as he was in the final stages of recovering from a hamstring injury.
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) April 1, 2026
The injury, sustained while playing for Al Nassr, also sidelined the striker for two Saudi Pro League matches, in which his team secured victories over NEOM and Al Khaalej. Now fully recovered, Ronaldo is expected to return to action on Friday, April 3, when Al Nassr host Al Najma.
The race to 1,000 career goals
Ronaldo remains the all-time leading scorer in soccer history, with Messi trailing in second place. Following his goal against Zambia, Messi has reached 902 career goals. Meanwhile, Ronaldo sits at 965 career goals ahead of the Al Najma fixture.
Standing just 35 goals away from the four-digit mark and with his scoring touch firmly intact—having scored four goals in his last three matches—it is highly probable that the Al-Nassr captain will become the first player to reach 1,000 goals this season.
