Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Lionel Messi World Cup record became the centre of football debate again after Argentina’s win over Jordan, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s “I’m back” message and Zlatan Ibrahimović’s reaction adding another layer to the sport’s biggest rivalry.
Ronaldo had made headlines after scoring twice in Portugal’s 5-0 win over Uzbekistan, using the moment to answer criticism from earlier in the tournament. Portugal later drew 0-0 with Colombia, while Argentina beat Jordan 3-1 as Messi scored from a free kick.
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Messi Lets The Football Speak
The contrast was easy to see. Ronaldo’s celebration was loud, emotional and understandable after heavy scrutiny, but Messi’s response came in the language he has used for two decades.
Against Jordan, Messi came off the bench and scored from a free kick in the 79th minute. That goal made him the first player to score in seven straight World Cup matches and took his men’s World Cup record total to 19 goals.
Zlatan’s Comment Adds Fuel
Remarks attributed to Ibrahimović quickly spread because they fit the long-running discussion around Ronaldo and Messi. The idea was simple: some players announce their return, while Messi never really left.
That line cuts because Messi’s greatness often feels quieter. He does not need a dramatic statement when the ball keeps making the argument for him.
Why This Moment Matters
The Ronaldo-Messi debate has always been about more than goals. Ronaldo has built his legend on hunger, power and public defiance, while Messi’s case has often rested on timing, touch and control under pressure.
This World Cup has given both stories fresh life. Ronaldo showed he can still answer critics, but Messi’s free kick against Jordan felt like another reminder that his ceiling remains difficult to measure.
At 39, Messi is still deciding matches for Argentina. Records, free kicks and late-game control have become part of his routine, but the context makes it feel historic every time.
Greatness does not always need a loud message. Sometimes it only needs one left foot, one dead ball and one more World Cup night that belongs to Messi.
