ZURICH – FIFA President Gianni Infantino has sent a public message of congratulation to Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portuguese superstar set a new goal-scoring milestone, a move that immediately ignited media discussion over a perceived "snub" toward rival Lionel Messi.
Ronaldo, at the age of 40, etched his name further into the history books by becoming the all-time leading goal scorer in FIFA World Cup qualifying matches. His recent brace for Portugal took his tally to 41 goals, surpassing the previous record of 39 held by former Guatemala striker Carlos Ruiz. The achievement is a testament to Ronaldo’s unparalleled longevity and dedication spanning more than two decades.
Infantino was quick to recognize the milestone, sharing his commendation on his personal social media channels. "Bravo, Cristiano! 41 goals! Congratulations on becoming the all-time top scorer in FIFA World Cup qualifying history. Another extraordinary record for a truly great footballer," the FIFA President wrote.
The Context of the Controversy
The media frenzy arose from the timing of Infantino’s praise. Just hours before Ronaldo's achievement, Lionel Messi had also broken a significant record, becoming the all-time leader in international assists following a brilliant performance in Argentina's 6-0 rout over Puerto Rico.
While Messi’s achievement—which solidifies his role as one of the game’s greatest playmakers—received wide acclaim, the perceived silence from the FIFA head regarding the assist record prompted news outlets to highlight the focus placed exclusively on Ronaldo's scoring feat. The narrative of Infantino "overlooking" Messi quickly took hold in the global media.
FIFA’s Focus on Goal Milestones
Analysts note that Infantino's explicit focus tends to align with definitive, numerically trackable goal-scoring records established in FIFA-governed competitions. Ronaldo's record directly relates to the organization’s flagship tournament, the World Cup, making it a natural milestone for the governing body to highlight.
Regardless of the controversy, the dual accomplishments underscore the relentless competitive spirit of the sport's two dominant figures. As both players continue to define the parameters of greatness, they force the world to constantly reassess what is possible in modern football. While Ronaldo now pursues the seemingly unreachable 1,000 career goal mark, Messi continues to redefine the role of the modern playmaker.
Both titans are scheduled to lead their respective nations into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they will undoubtedly attempt to extend their staggering list of records one last time on the global stage.
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