The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/usmnt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USMNT</a> will have a tough test before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Now, the Stars and Stripes have confirmed the date and venue in which they will face <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> and Portugal.



Next year, the United States, alongside Mexico and Canada, will host the FIFA World Cup. It is the first time that three countries host the tournament together, and they surely want to prove they can be more than just hosts.



For that reason, the USMNT wants to face top contenders to test themselves. Now, it has selected <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/portugal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portugal</a> as a rival in a friendly match that will push the Stars and Stripes to their limits.



<h2>When and where will the USMNT face Portugal?</h2>



The USMNT confirmed that Portugal will be one of its first rivals for a friendly match in 2026. The Stars and Stripes will face Cristiano Ronaldo’s squad on March 31, 2026.



Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, will host the duel. The home of the Atlanta Falcons is one of the 11 stadiums in the United States selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.



<h2>USMNT’s confirmed friendly matches in 2026</h2>


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Besides Portugal, the USMNT also confirmed a friendly match against Belgium on March 28, also at Mercedes Benz Stadium. Two back-to-back matches that will be very demanding for the United States.



The federation also confirmed that there is a match scheduled for May 31, with the rival still to be determined. Then, on June 6, five days before the start of the World Cup, the USMNT will face Germany at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois.

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USMNT confirms date and venue for friendly vs Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal before 2026 World Cup - Bolavip US

USMNT confirms friendly vs Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal

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The soccer world eagerly awaits December 5th to learn how the groups for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be structured. Here is a breakdown of the possible rivals that <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> and Portugal could face in their group.



This edition of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/world-cup">World Cup</a> will be historic, as it will feature 48 nations competing for the coveted trophy, up from the traditional 32. To form the groups, all qualified nations will be divided into four pots based on their FIFA World Ranking classification. Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates are in Pot 1 and will be seeded in their group.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/portugal">Portugal</a> will not be drawn against any other nation in Pot 1 (top seeds), which includes the three host nations—Mexico, United States, and Canada—and the other top-ranked teams like Spain, France, England, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, and the Netherlands.



A key rule in the World Cup draw is that FIFA does not allow two nations from the same confederation to be placed in the same group. However, UEFA is the only exception: since there are 16 qualified European teams filling 12 groups, four groups will necessarily contain two European teams.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">ESTAMOS NO MUNDIAL! VAMOS COM TUDO, PORTUGAL! 🇵🇹 <a href="https://t.co/3bfPqkrecH">pic.twitter.com/3bfPqkrecH</a>— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cristiano/status/1990093371503747155?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>Potential group rivals for Portugal</h2>



The groups for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be composed of one team from each pot, while adhering to the rules that prohibit nations from the same confederation from sharing a group, with the exception of UEFA.


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In this way, there is a possibility that Portugal will have one European team within their group. Cristiano Ronaldo and company could face any team from each pot, but if one UEFA nation is drawn, there cannot be another from the same confederation in their group.



These are all the nations that will participate in the World Cup, divided into their respective pots:



<h3>Pot 2</h3>



<ul><li>Croatia</li><li>Morocco</li><li>Colombia</li><li>Uruguay</li><li>Switzerland</li><li>Japan</li><li>Senegal</li><li>Iran</li><li>South Korea</li><li>Ecuador</li><li>Austria</li><li>Australia</li></ul>



<h3>Pot 3</h3>



<ul><li>Norway</li><li>Panama</li><li>Egypt</li><li>Algeria</li><li>Scotland</li><li>Paraguay</li><li>Tunisia</li><li>Ivory Coast</li><li>Uzbekistan</li><li>Qatar</li><li>Saudi Arabia</li><li>South Africa</li></ul>



<h3>Pot 4</h3>



<ul><li>Jordan</li><li>Cape Verde</li><li>Ghana</li><li>Curaçao</li><li>Haiti</li><li>New Zealand</li><li>European Playoff 1</li><li>European Playoff 2</li><li>European Playoff 3</li><li>European Playoff 4</li><li>Intercontinental Playoff 1</li><li>Intercontinental Playoff 2</li></ul>

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Which countries could Ronaldo, Portugal face at the 2026 World Cup?

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The 2026 FIFA World Cup is right around the corner, and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mexico" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mexico</a> will have a tough test as part of their preparation. The Tricolor have confirmed a friendly match against Cristiano Ronaldo and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/portugal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portugal</a>, with both the date and venue now official.



Mexico want to deliver an extraordinary World Cup next year. Back in Qatar 2022, they failed to advance from the group stage, with Argentina and Poland going through instead. It was a disappointing early exit that pushed the federation to make big changes ahead of the tournament they will co-host.



As part of that shift, Mexico know they need to face top national teams before the World Cup kicks off. And now it is time to take on a living legend like <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>.



<h2>When and where will Mexico face Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal?</h2>



On Tuesday, it was confirmed that Mexico will face Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portugal squad on March 28, 2026. The matchup had been rumored for months, but with Portugal now officially qualified for the World Cup, the friendly has finally been locked in.



The duel will be special not only because of Ronaldo’s presence, but also because it marks the grand reopening of Estadio Azteca. The venue has been under renovation since May 2024 ahead of the World Cup.



<h2>Mexico will face another top European team days later</h2>


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Just three days after taking on Portugal in Mexico City, Mexico will head north to the United States for another big friendly. On March 31, the Tricolor will face Belgium at Soldier Field in Chicago, where a large turnout of Mexican fans is expected.



These are the first confirmed friendlies for Mexico in 2026, but more are on the way. The team is expected to play two matches in January, one in February, and four between May and June to be fully ready for the World Cup opener on June 11 at Estadio Azteca.

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<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/inter-miami-vs-new-york-city-fc-live-lionel-messi-chases-2025-mls-cup-final">Inter Miami are coming off a dominant 5-1 victory over New York City FC</a> in the MLS Cup Eastern Conference Final, a match in which Lionel Messi contributed an assist and helped push the team one step closer to another title. The club even secured a separate trophy after the win, sparking immediate comparisons tied to one of the sport’s greatest rivalries: how many titles has Cristiano Ronaldo won with Al Nassr?



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/inter-miami">Inter Miami</a> were crowned champions of the Eastern Conference after defeating NYCFC, earning an official trophy that adds to their growing collection. With this latest success, the club have now claimed three titles in the last three years—a remarkable run for an organization that continues to rise in stature and ambition.



With this conference crown, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Messi</a> has now collected three trophies with Inter Miami: the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, the 2023 Leagues Cup, and the 2025 Eastern Conference title. While the Supporters’ Shield is awarded to the MLS team with the best regular-season record—and does not represent winning MLS Cup—it remains an official honor and counts toward the club’s and Messi’s overall trophy haul.



This new milestone further elevates Messi’s legacy. His trophy cabinet is overflowing after nearly two decades at the top level. Between his success with Barcelona, Argentina, PSG, and Inter Miami, the Argentine star has amassed 47 official titles, making him the most decorated player in soccer history.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" data-id="536536" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251130_BUS_536818_lionel-messi-miami-1_81a66055.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami." class="wp-image-536536"></figure><figcaption>Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami.</figcaption></figure>
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<h2>How many trophies has Cristiano Ronaldo won with Al Nassr?</h2>



When Cristiano Ronaldo joined <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/al-nassr">Al Nassr</a> in January 2023, expectations skyrocketed. Many believed the Portuguese forward would dominate the Saudi league both individually and collectively. And while Ronaldo has continued to produce elite numbers, he has not captured an official trophy with the “Sun of Riyadh.”


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As of November 2025, Ronaldo has won only one title with Al Nassr: the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup, lifted in August of that year. However, that competition is not recognized as an official tournament.



A striking statistic is that <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Ronaldo</a> has lost 13 potential titles with Al Nassr since arriving nearly three years ago. Still, there is nothing left for him to prove; he remains one of the most accomplished players in the history of the sport.



Across his legendary career, Ronaldo has collected 35 titles, including a European Championship, five Champions League crowns, four Club World Cups, three Premier League titles, and two LaLiga championships.

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Lionel Messi reaches 2025 MLS final with Inter Miami: How many finals has Cristiano Ronaldo played with Al Nassr?

Messi secures another title with Inter Miami before MLS Cup final: How many does Ronaldo have with Al Nassr? - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> successfully led Inter Miami to the 2025 MLS Cup final for the first time in the club’s history after they defeated New York City FC 5-1 in the Eastern Conference final. Following the qualification, fans immediately began comparing his success to that of his career rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, at Al Nassr.



With the ticket secured for the 2025 MLS Cup final—where the Herons will face the winner between San Diego FC and the Vancouver Whitecaps—Lionel Messi will have played three official finals with Inter Miami since his arrival in 2023.



His arrival in the United States had an immediate impact, as the Argentine led <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/inter-miami">Inter Miami</a> to their first final in franchise history that same year, as they reached the 2023 Leagues Cup final. The Herons won their first official title by defeating Nashville SC on penalties, marking Messi’s first title outside of Europe.



After securing the 2024 Supporters’ Shield for finishing with the most points across both conferences during the regular season, Messi led Inter Miami to another Leagues Cup final. In 2025, The Herons clashed with the Seattle Sounders in the decisive match but fell 3-0, denying Inter Miami their third trophy.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251130_BUS_536466_leagues-cup_578c3e84.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-447636" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Messi led Inter Miami to their first title at the 2023 Leagues Cup. (Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



Additionally, Messi also led Inter Miami to a final in 2023, when they reached the decisive Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match against Dynamo Houston. However, Messi was sidelined due to a muscle issue, and the Herons ultimately fell 2-1.



<h2>Cristiano Ronaldo’s finals record at Al Nassr</h2>


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In comparison to his historical rival on the field, the Portuguese star has yet to find success in terms of winning titles with the Saudi club, though he has had several opportunities to do so. In total, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> has played three official finals with Al Nassr, but he has failed to win any of them.



The most recent shortcoming for Ronaldo arrived as a penalty kick defeat during the 2025 Saudi Super Cup final against Al Ahli, after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. This followed closely behind a decisive 4-1 thrashing during the 2024 edition of that same competition at hands of Al Hilal.



CR7’s other significant opportunity for a major trophy with the Middle Eastern club occurred in his debut final—the 2023-24 edition of the King’s Cup—where <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/al-nassr">Al Nassr</a> suffered a loss via penalty kicks, again yielding to Al Hilal.



The single trophy that Ronaldo has secured while with Al Nassr remains the Arab Club Champions Cup, where his brace delivered a 2-1 triumph over Al Hilal. Nevertheless, this particular competition is not formally acknowledged by either the AFC or FIFA, therefore its standing is merely that of a showcase event.

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Messi reaches 2025 MLS final with Inter Miami: How many title matches has Ronaldo played with Al Nassr?

Cristiano Ronaldo was not indifferent to Portugal’s triumph at the FIFA <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/u17-world-cup">U-17 World Cup</a> Qatar 2025, a title they secured on Thursday, November 27, at Al Khalifa Stadium in the city of Doha. Portugal defeated Austria 1–0 thanks to a decisive strike from Benfica forward Anisio Cabral.



“Giants! Congratulations, World Cup Champions,” wrote the Al Nassr star in Portuguese on his Instagram account moments after the victory was confirmed. His message celebrated what ultimately became the third global title in Portugal’s youth history.



Qatar 2025 now joins the other two world championships Portugal earned in the past, both at the U-20 level. They won the 1989 edition in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, defeating Nigeria 2–0 in the final, and the 1991 tournament in Lisbon, where they beat Brazil 4–2 on penalties after a scoreless draw in regulation.



Similarly, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>—set to make his sixth World Cup appearance after Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, Russia 2018, and Qatar 2022—will aim in 2026 to replicate the success of Portugal’s U-17 squad at the tournament hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. It will likely be the last time we see him in the sport’s biggest competition.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="656" height="1280" data-id="534946" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251127_BUS_534880_portugal-u17_baad1e62.webp&amp;width=656&amp;height=1280" alt="Cristiano Ronaldo&apos;s message to Portugal U-17." class="wp-image-534946"></figure><figcaption>Cristiano Ronaldo’s message to Portugal U-17.</figcaption></figure>
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<h2>Portugal’s path to the title</h2>



The squad coached by Bino Macaes built its championship run on a powerful attack that was evident from the group stage. After a dominant 6–1 win over New Caledonia and an emphatic 6–0 victory against Morocco, the Portuguese secured advancement despite a 2–1 loss to Japan in the final matchday.


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In the knockout rounds, Portugal showed both composure and efficiency. They defeated Belgium 2–1 in the Round of 32 and delivered a statement performance by crushing Mexico 5–0 in the Round of 16. Their push into the quarterfinals continued with a 2–0 win over Switzerland, keeping a crucial clean sheet ahead of a massive showdown against Brazil.



The real test arrived against the Brazilians in a high-pressure semifinal that finished scoreless and was decided in a dramatic penalty shootout. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/portugal">Portugal</a> held their nerve to win 6–5 and clinched their first-ever U-17 World Cup final berth.



<h2>The grand final</h2>



In the European final played at Khalifa International Stadium, a single goal from their standout talent Anisio Cabral—who had been instrumental throughout the tournament—at the 32nd minute of the first half was enough to defeat Austria 1–0. With that, Portugal’s newest golden generation lifted their first FIFA U-17 World Cup title.

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Cristiano Ronaldo reacts with five-word message to Portugal’s U17 World Cup title - Bolavip US

Real Madrid’s extraordinary night in Greece featured <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kylian-mbappe">Kylian Mbappe</a> as the standout star. With his four goals, the French forward broke an important UEFA Champions League record previously held by Cristiano Ronaldo.



What’s all the buzz about? After five matches in this prestigious continental tournament, Mbappe reached a total of nine goals, surpassing none other than CR7, who scored eight goals in his first five appearances across two different seasons wearing the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/real-madrid">Real Madrid</a> jersey.



According to Alexis Maria Martin-Tamayo Blazquez, on X @2010MisterChip, the former Monaco and PSG player had already matched <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Ronaldo</a> with his hat trick, and by scoring the fourth goal, he finally surpassed him.



“Mbappe has scored 8 goals in the first 5 matchdays of the first phase of the Champions League, matching the best record in Cristiano Ronaldo’s career, who achieved those same figures in the 2013-14 and 2017-18 seasons,” he reported before Mbappe’s fourth goal.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251126_BUS_534391_kylian-mbappe-4_c558a94b.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid" class="wp-image-534411"></figure><figcaption>Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Mbappe scores first-half hat trick</h2>



Kylian Mbappe delivered an astonishing display against Olympiakos, netting a spectacular first-half hat-trick in a blistering seven-minute spell, with goals coming in the 22nd, 24th, and 29th minutes. 


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This individual explosion allowed his team to quickly turn a deficit into a commanding 3-1 lead by the halftime whistle. The sheer pace of the treble was instantly record-breaking, causing fans to wonder, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/mbappe-scores-first-half-hat-trick-for-real-madrid-have-messi-or-ronaldo-ever-done-so-in-champions-league">if Messi or Ronaldo have ever done so in Champions League</a>.



Mbappe’s performance set a new, remarkably high standard for early, decisive scoring in the competition, confirming his status among the game’s elite forwards.

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Mbappe breaks Ronaldo's career-high through 5 UCL games with 4 goals for Real Madrid - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kylian-mbappe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kylian Mbappe</a> put on a show for Real Madrid during the electric 4-3 vicory over Olympiacos. Scoring all four goals for ‘Los Merengues’, the French striker reminded fans in Madrid of the good old days with Cristiano Ronaldo. However, had Ronaldo ever scored a poker in a UEFA Champions League game?



Mbappe steered <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/real-madrid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Real Madrid</a> to safe harbor after a rough start to the night in Piraeus, Greece. After conceding an early goal to the home side, Mbappe and company stepped on the gas pedal, blowing Olympiacos out of the water in the first half.



Despite their defensive struggles, Mbappe reminded the travelling supporters at Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium—and those watching from home—that Real Madrid remains every bit as dangerous in the Champions League as it was during <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ronaldo</a>’s era. Naturally, it left fans wondering what CR7’s single-game goal record for Los Merengues in the UCL actually is.



<h2>Ronaldo’s goal-scoring record for Real Madrid</h2>



Though Mbappe shattered all records by scoring a hat trick with less than 8 minutes in between, Ronaldo has scored his fair share of hat tricks for Real Madrid.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1082" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251126_BUS_534399_kylian-mbappe-cristiano-ronaldo-1-1_38f1225d.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1082" alt="" class="wp-image-534434"></figure><figcaption>Cristiano Ronaldo (left) and Kylian Mbappe (right)</figcaption></figure>



As for his best single game in the UEFA <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/champions-league" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Champions League</a> with Real Madrid, Ronaldo scored four goals, as well. It was on December 8th, 2015, when him and company took down the visiting Malmo by a score of 8-0 at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Ronaldo scored his four goals in a blistering 20-minute span—though separated by the 15-minute halftime break—finding the back of the net at the 39th, 47th, 50th, and 59th minutes.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/soccer/mbappe-scores-first-half-hat-trick-for-real-madrid-have-messi-or-ronaldo-ever-done-so-in-champions-league"></div>


<h2>How many hat tricks have Mbappe and Ronaldo scored for Real Madrid in the UCL?</h2>



After his superb performance in Greece, Mbappe registered his fifth career hat trick in the UEFA Champions League. However, two of those were during his time with Paris Saint-Germain. Playing for Real Madrid, Mbappe has now recorded three hat tricks in Europe’s biggest clubs competition with ‘Los Merengues’.



As for Ronaldo, the Portuguese star is tied with Lionel Messi for the most career hat tricks in Champions League history—with 8 hat tricks each. Seven of those hat tricks were with Real Madrid, as the last one was during his stint with Juventus. Still, he made sure to make ‘La Casa Blanca’ proud by scoring a hat trick against Atletico Madrid, knocking them out of the competition in the second leg of the 2018-19 Round of 16.


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Mbappe scores 4 goals vs Olympiacos: What's Ronaldo's record in a Champions League game with Real Madrid? - Bolavip US

After conceding an early goal to Olympiacos, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kylian-mbappe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kylian Mbappe</a> and Real Madrid stepped on the gas. The French striker took over, scoring a hat trick in the first half, as ‘Los Merengues’ headed to the tunnel with a 3-1 lead. On Bolavip, we take a look at Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s three-goal outings in the UEFA Champions League.



Just when soccer fans across the globe thought no one would ever come close to achieving what <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Messi</a> and Ronaldo have, Mbappe has accustomed them to record-breaking outings on a regular basis.



Following his three-goal rampage against Olympiacos on Matchday 5 of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League, Mbappe recorded his fifth hat trick in Europe’s biggest club competition. Moreover, it was the first time he scored three goals in the first half of a Champions League match. Now, many fans are wondering whether Messi or <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ronaldo</a> ever accomplished such a feat.



<h2>Has Messi ever scored a first-half hat trick in the UEFA Champions League?</h2>



Not only has Messi scored three goals in the opening half of a UEFA Champions League match before, but he did so in his very first career hat trick in the competition. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251126_BUS_534328_kylian-mbappe-cristiano-ronaldo-lionel-messi-1_c0963aa8.webp&amp;width=650&amp;height=366" alt="" class="wp-image-534395" width="650" height="366"></figure><figcaption>Cristiano Ronaldo (left), Lionel Messi (middle), and Kylian Mbappe (right)</figcaption></figure>



On April 6, 2010, FC Barcelona hosted Arsenal at Camp Nou for the second leg of the 2009-10 Champions League quarterfinals. Just as Mbappe did, Messi struck three times in the first half to erase a 1-0 deficit and send Barca into the break with a 3-1 lead. To put the cherry on top, he finished the night with a fourth goal late in the final frame. It remains the only time Messi has recorded a first-half hat trick in a Champions League match.


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<h2>Has Ronaldo ever scored a first-half hat trick in the UEFA Champions League?</h2>



Although Ronaldo has scored 8 hat tricks in the Champions League—as many as Messi has—the Portuguese striker has never scored three goals in the opening 45 minutes of a game, not with Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/real-madrid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Real Madrid</a> nor Juventus.



However, Ronaldo has proven he can score in bunches, as he registers three second-half hat tricks in UEFA Champions League outings. As for Messi and Mbappe, they have only recorded a second-half hat trick once in their Champions League careers.

Mbappe scores first-half hat trick for Real Madrid: Have Messi or Ronaldo ever done so in Champions League?

Mbappe scores first-half hat trick for Real Madrid: Have Messi or Ronaldo ever done so in Champions League? - Bolavip US

Mbappe scores first-half hat trick: Have Messi or Ronaldo ever done so in Champions League?

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> and Al Nassr enter Matchday 5 of the AFC Champions League Two with momentum and a strong opportunity to secure qualification for the knockout stage. The team travels to face FC Istiklol in a match that could further strengthen their continental campaign.



The club approaches this fixture after an intense domestic stretch, followed by an extended break ahead. Once this match is completed, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/al-nassr">Al Nassr</a> will not play again until December 21, giving manager Jorge Jesus flexibility in deciding how strong a lineup he wants to field today.



Ronaldo’s recent form, highlighted by his viral <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/video-cristiano-ronaldo-scores-fantastic-bicycle-kick-goal-for-al-nassr-vs-al-khaleej">bicycle-kick goal</a> over the weekend, has fueled global anticipation surrounding his potential involvement. Supporters are eager to know whether the Portuguese star will feature in this AFC Champions League Two clash.



<h2>Is Cristiano Ronaldo playing today?</h2>



Despite being fully fit and showing no signs of injury, Cristiano Ronaldo will not feature in Al Nassr’s match against FC Istiklol. The Portuguese forward played the full 4–1 win over Al Khaleej on Sunday and finished without any physical concerns, but head coach Jorge Jesus has opted to leave him out of the starting lineup for today’s AFC Champions League Two fixture.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1080" height="1350" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251126_BUS_533854_al-nassr_80832543.webp&amp;width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="" class="wp-image-533882"></figure><figcaption>Cri</figcaption></figure>



Ronaldo has yet to appear in the AFC Champions League Two this season, as Jorge Jesus has consistently chosen to rest him during continental matches. With Al Nassr entering a three-week break after the Istiklol clash, Ronaldo is expected to return on December 21 in the Saudi Pro League against Al Najma.


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<h2>Al Nassr confirmed lineup vs Istiklol</h2>



Jorge Jesus is likely to field a strong but rotated lineup, consistent with his approach in the AFC Champions League Two. 



Confirmed XI (4-2-3-1): Bento Matheus Krepski; Sultan Al-Ghannam, Mohamed Simakan, Mohamed Amri, Salem Al-Najdi; Marcelo Brozovic, Abdulrahman Al-Hassan; Angelo Gabriel, Joao Félix Sequeira, Wesley Ribeiro Silva; Marran Al-Mutairi as the lone striker.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="6926d4b42d286e1484d5ebd2" data-title="Should Al Nassr rest Cristiano Ronaldo for AFC Champions League Two matches?" data-options="4"></div>

Is Cristiano Ronaldo playing today for Al Nassr vs Istiklol on Matchday 5 of 2025-26 AFC Champions League 2?

Cristiano Ronaldo earns recognition for impressive bicycle kick goal with Al Nassr

Lionel Messi reaches 1,300 G/A: How does it compare to Cristiano Ronaldo?

Why is Cristiano Ronaldo not playing today for Al Nassr vs Istiklol on Nov. 26? - Bolavip US

Is Cristiano Ronaldo playing today for Al Nassr vs Istiklol?

Al Nassr crushed Al Khaleej 4-1 in the Saudi Pro League, highlighted by a moment of brilliance from <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/video-cristiano-ronaldo-scores-fantastic-bicycle-kick-goal-for-al-nassr-vs-al-khaleej">Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored a fantastic bicycle kick</a> goal to seal the match at the King Saud University Stadium.



The Portuguese forward soared through the air to execute an acrobat finish reminiscent of his prime days with Real Madrid, recording the third bicycle kick goal of his career. This incredible strike earned him the Goal of the Week award for Round 9 of the Saudi Pro League.



This marks the sixth time <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Ronaldo</a> has won the Goal of the Week award in the Saudi Pro League, and the third time he has done so this season alone, having previously won the award in Round 5 (vs. Al Fateh) and Round 7 (vs. Al Fayha).



With this dominant victory, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/al-nassr">Al Nassr</a> remain the sole leaders of the Saudi Pro League with 27 points, having won all nine games this season. Jorge Jesus’ team maintains a four-point advantage over Al Hilal (23 points), who are also undefeated this season but have recorded two draws.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Call it skill, call it instinct… we call it Ronaldo 🐐💛 <a href="https://t.co/diFN85oBCI">pic.twitter.com/diFN85oBCI</a>— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlNassrFC_EN/status/1992692109275771376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>Cristiano Ronaldo’s great season so far</h2>



So far this current season, Cristiano Ronaldo has tallied 11 goals across 10 matches in all competitions with Al Nassr. He is currently the team’s second-leading scorer, trailing only Joao Felix, who has scored 15 goals in 17 matches.


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At 40 years old, Ronaldo has amassed 38 goals so far in 2025. This impressive statistic is a testament to his career longevity, clearly showing that age is merely a number and is not directly correlated to his performance level.



In this context, the gap to 1,000 career goals is rapidly closing, and every score now becomes more historically significant. Cristiano Ronaldo currently has 954 career goals, leaving him just 46 tallies shy of reaching the unprecedented mark of 1,000 official goals in soccer history.

Cristiano Ronaldo Wins Saudi Goal of the Week for Stunning Bicycle Kick

Cristiano Ronaldo wins award for impressive bicycle kick goal with Al Nassr

Ronaldo vs Messi: The race to 1,000 goals updated after Al Nassr, Inter Miami wins

Cristiano Ronaldo earns recognition for impressive bicycle kick goal with Al Nassr - Bolavip US

Cristiano Ronaldo was ejected during Portugal’s World Cup Qualifier match against Ireland. Following this, the Portuguese fan base eagerly awaited FIFA‘s decision on the number of matches <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/cristiano-ronaldos-suspension-revealed-will-cr7-be-eligible-for-portugals-2026-world-cup-debut" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ronaldo would be suspended for ahead of the 2026 World Cup</a>.



Along with this announcement, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/fifa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FIFA</a> issued a warning to Cristiano Ronaldo regarding future conduct. “If Cristiano Ronaldo commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension set out in the disciplinary decision shall be deemed automatically revoked and the remaining two matches must be served immediately,” FIFA stated.



Through this statement, FIFA cautioned the Portuguese star about replicating the incident that occurred against Ireland. Moving forward, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ronaldo</a> must exhibit control in upcoming matches because Portugal will rely on him during the group stage of the next year’s World Cup.



Despite Ronaldo’s situation, Portugal remains confident in their roster’s depth as they prepare for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/world-cup" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Cup</a> and the final FIFA-sanctioned matches before the group stage commences in North America.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">full story and clip 👇 Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off in Portugal’s 2–0 loss to Ireland after he elbowed Dara O’Shea in the 61st minute. The referee originally showed a yellow card, but VAR stepped in, reviewed the incident, and upgraded it to a straight red for violent conduct.… <a href="https://t.co/ywCYawoB5U">pic.twitter.com/ywCYawoB5U</a>— Dave (@Davely_X) <a href="https://twitter.com/Davely_X/status/1989320033424531473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2025</a></blockquote></div> 



<h2>Ronaldo’s first direct red card with Portugal</h2>



Throughout his illustrious career, the Portuguese icon has been sent off seven times for both accumulating two yellow cards and direct red card in various competitions. However, this was the first time he received a direct red card in an official match with the national team.


 


In total, Ronaldo has been cautioned with a yellow card 128 times across the five clubs he has represented. As he approaches what could be his final World Cup, Ronaldo has announced plans to retire from international play following the tournament in North America.



As Ronaldo nears the final fixtures of his international career, fans anticipate seeing him compete throughout the full group stage in the 2026 World Cup. There’s significant interest in when Ronaldo will make his decision to retire official.

FIFA Notifies Cristiano Ronaldo of Suspension Decision, Issues Warning Before 2026 World Cup

FIFA warns Cristiano Ronaldo after announcing suspension decision ahead of 2026 World Cup - Bolavip US

With less than 200 days to go until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a>’s Argentina and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>’s Portugal will not face each other in the group stage, <a href="https://inside.fifa.com/organisation/media-releases/procedures-final-draw-world-cup-2026-revealed" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FIFA</a> confirmed. 



The news comes as the procedures for the Final Draw were released, outlining how the 48 teams will be divided into 12 groups of four. Fans around the world are now looking ahead to the draw on December 5 in Washington, D.C., where each team will learn its group stage path.



The draw will place the hosts—Canada, Mexico, and the USA—in Pot 1, along with the top nine ranked teams, including <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/argentina">Argentina</a> and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/portugal">Portugal</a>. The remaining 39 teams are split into Pots 2, 3, and 4 based on the FIFA Men’s World Rankings, with play-off winners added to Pot 4. To keep the tournament balanced, the highest-ranked teams are placed on opposite pathways, so they cannot meet before the final.



<h2>How will the draw work?</h2>



The Final Draw will start with Pot 1 teams, including the hosts and the top-ranked nations, being drawn into positions 1 of each group. Pots 2, 3, and 4 will follow in order, filling out the groups. Teams from the same confederation will generally be kept apart, except for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/uefa">UEFA</a>, which can have up to two teams in one group.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251125_BUS_533570_messi-ronaldo-world-cup_d7ff79ad.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-533589"></figure><figcaption>Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal shakes hands with Lionel Messi of Argentina prior to the International Friendly. Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Balancing the tournament</h2>


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FIFA has confirmed that the four highest-ranked teams—Spain, Argentina, France, and England—will be drawn into opposite pathways in the knockout bracket, ensuring they don’t meet at least until the semifinals.



And if they win their groups, they will not meet before the final, helping maintain a competitive and balanced tournament. Play-off winners from Pot 4 will also be allocated carefully to respect confederation constraints and avoid clashes.



<h2>Match schedule and fan planning</h2>



After the draw on December 5, fans can expect the complete match schedule to be released on December 6. Each match will be assigned a stadium and a kick-off time, allowing teams to prepare and audiences worldwide to follow the action live across different time zones


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="6925f62a2d286e1484d5ebbb" data-title="Who will shine brightest in the 2026 World Cup?" data-options="4"></div>

FIFA Confirms Argentina and Portugal Will Not Meet in 2026 World Cup Group Stage

FIFA confirms Messi's Argentina, Ronaldo's Portugal won't clash in 2026 World Cup group stage - Bolavip US

During the latest window of the 2026 UEFA World Cup Qualifiers, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/video-cristiano-ronaldo-sees-red-card-for-hitting-opponent-in-ireland-vs-portugal">Cristiano Ronaldo received a red card</a>, sparking speculation about his availability for Portugal’s debut in the upcoming World Cup. The final suspension has now been announced.



According to Sky Sports, a FIFA disciplinary committee handed <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Ronaldo</a> a three-match ban but the final two games are suspended under a one-year probation period, meaning he will be able to feature in Portugal’s 2026 World Cup opener.



Ronaldo was at risk of missing multiple games after being sent off for violent conduct during <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/ireland-vs-portugal-live-uefa-2026-world-cup-qualifiers">Portugal’s loss to Ireland</a> in November, which was likely his final game in World Cup qualifiers representing his country. An elbow on an opponent triggered the striker’s ejection.



With two games suspended, Ronaldo already served a one-match ban during <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/portugal-vs-armenia-live-cristiano-ronaldo-out-for-2026-world-cup-qualifiers-finale">Portugal’s final qualifying match against Armenia</a>. FIFA’s latest decision makes CR7 eligible for Portugal’s opening match at the 2026 World Cup, unless he gets penalized for violent conduct again during the probation period.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251125_BUS_533478_portugal-1_2bb02327.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Portugal" class="wp-image-533485"></figure><figcaption>Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Eyes on the World Cup</h2>



Having comfortably won their qualifying group, Portugal arrive at the upcoming <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/world-cup">World Cup</a> with high expectations, looking to make a significant statement on the global stage. This tournament marks a historic occasion as it will be the sixth World Cup appearance for Ronaldo, who continues to lead the squad.


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With a blend of seasoned veterans and exciting young talent, Portugal are poised to challenge the established contenders and aim to translate their strong qualifying form into a deep and impactful run in the main event.



With the draw set for December 5, they are waiting to know their opponents. Meanwhile, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/fifa-confirms-messis-argentina-ronaldos-portugal-wont-clash-in-2026-world-cup-group-stage">Ronaldo’s Portugal can already rule out Lionel Messi’s Argentina for a potential group stage clash as FIFA has confirmed</a> both countries are on Pot 1.

Cristiano Ronaldo's suspension revealed: Will CR7 be eligible for Portugal's 2026 World Cup debut? - Bolavip US

Ronaldo's suspension revealed: Will CR7 be eligible for 2026 World Cup debut?

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/al-nassr">Al Nassr</a> and Inter Miami dominated their respective Sunday matches, with their superstar players stealing the spotlight, as is often the case. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi continue to build their legacies while competing to reach the historic milestone of 1,000 career goals.



Cristiano Ronaldo shined once again, scoring a spectacular bicycle kick in Al Nassr’s victory over Al Khaleej. The goal was more than just a tally on the scoresheet—it was a breathtaking strike that ended with Ronaldo’s signature SIU! celebration, reminiscent of his iconic goal against Juventus.



With that bicycle kick, Ronaldo reached 954 career goals, extending his lead in the long-standing rivalry with Lionel Messi. For more than a decade, the two have been at the center of one of the greatest rivalries in sports history. CR7 continues to add to his total, game by game, refusing to relinquish ground.



<h2>How many goals does Messi have?</h2>



On the other side, Lionel Messi now has 896 career goals, including the strike he scored in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/inter-miami">Inter Miami</a>’s 4-0 victory over FC Cincinnati in the Eastern Conference semifinal. The World Cup champion also reached 1,300 combined goals and assists over the course of his career.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" data-id="532739" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251124_BUS_532901_lionel-messi-mls_ae971cac.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF." class="wp-image-532739"></figure><figcaption>Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF.</figcaption></figure>
</figure>



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Messi</a>’s goal came with an assist from his national team teammate Mateo Silvetti, but the real highlight for fans was his hat trick of assists in the 4-0 win, showcasing his playmaking brilliance alongside his scoring.


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<h2>How many career assists does Messi have?</h2>



In this match, Messi tallied three assists, adding to the record he set in recent days as the first player in history to reach 400 career assists. With today’s three assists, his total now stands at 404, solidifying his place as the all-time assist leader.



Meanwhile, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> has also contributed collectively, with a total of 259 career assists. In the current season, he has added two more, showing that his impact goes beyond goal-scoring alone.

Ronaldo vs Messi: The race to 1,000 goals updated after Al Nassr, Inter Miami wins - Bolavip US

Latest news from Cristiano Ronaldo. Find out about all the news related to Cristiano Ronaldo on bolavip.com/en