World Cup: Lionel Messi Matches Cristiano Ronaldo's Goal Scoring Record After Strike vs Saudi Arabia

• Lionel Messi is off the mark at the Qatar World Cup with his first goal for his country at the spectacle
• The goal bore some personal significance for the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner in the context of his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo
• Messi now has as many goals as Cristiano at the World Cup, and is leading the Portugal star on assists
• Argentina had three goals disallowed in the first half

Lionel Messi now has as many goals as Cristiano Ronaldo at the World Cup thanks to his strike against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, November 22.

The PSG forward has the entire weight of his country on his shoulders in Qatar, with many placing high hopes on him to deliver the elusive World Cup back to his country for the first time since 1986.

Against Saudi Arabia, there were signs the Argentine's were going to dominate, and Messi was typically at the heart of most of the attacks.

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Argentina was eventually handed a chance to take the lead after a VAR check deemed Leandro Paredes to have been fouled in the penalty area at the Lusail Stadium.

Messi stepped up and stroked the ball home against the helpless Saudi Arabia keeper for his first goal at the Qatar spectacle.

Matching Ronaldo

The goal was important for Argentina as it handed the Albiceleste their much-needed lead, but for Messi, it also meant a personal milestone.

Messi is now on seven goals at the World Cup, which is the same number as his archrival Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo, who is also set to be crucial for Portugal in this World Cup, is yet to kick a ball at the Spectacle, but will likely feature when his nation faces Ghana in their Group H opener against Ghana.

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Messi hits another milestone

Sports Brief also reported on another Lionel Messi milestone with his goal against Saudi Arabia.

Messi recorded his name in the history books by becoming the first Argentine to score at 4 different World Cup tournaments.

With the goal against Saudi Arabia, Messi has now scored at the 2006, 2014, 2018 and 2022 World Cups which is an incredible record.