World Cup 2022: Cristiano Ronaldo leads Lionel Messi in goal tally

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has surpassed rival Lionel Messi in FIFA World Cup goal tally with his strike against Ghana on Thursday.

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The now former Manchester United attacker opened the scoring from the penalty spot as Portugal beat the Black Stars 3-2 on the night.

In doing so, Ronaldo took his tally of World Cup goals to EIGHT in 18 appearances, and they include that famous hat-trick against Spain in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

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Ronaldo and Messi were tied on SEVEN goals after the Argentine’s penalty goal in the shock 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia earlier this week.

Messi has scored the seven goals from 20 World Cup appearances, and it will be interesting to see who finishes with a better goal tally when the tournament ends.

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Ronaldo is one goal shy of equaling Portugal great Eusebio’s goal tally of NINE strikes at FIFA World Cup finals.

CRISTIANO RONALDO THE FIRST PLAYER TO SCORE IN FIVE SUCCESSIVE WORLD CUPS

Ronaldo’s goal against Ghana also saw him set a new record for the player who has scored in five consecutive World Cup tournaments.

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His first of eight goals came during the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals in Germany before netting again in South Africa in 2010.

Ronaldo scored again in 2014 in Brazil before increasing his goal tally to seven during the 2018 World Cup finals.

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