The goal-scoring exploits of Cristiano Ronaldo are incredible. His hat-trick against Luxembourg last night marked his 10th hat-trick for Portugal. It is quite incredible to watch him play as he continues to defy the odds, even at 36. However, with this, the infamous Lionel Messi debate surfaces up once again.

Which of the two maestros have the most international hat-tricks?

Who has scored the most hat-tricks?

As of now, the Portuguese superstar leads the way with 10 international hat-tricks. However, Lionel Messi is right behind him at seven. His latest treble was against Bolivia during the Qatar World Cup qualifying match. Despite Ronaldo leading the charts, Messi is still two years younger than CR7 and he is far from done yet.

Ronaldo’s first hat-trick came against Northern Ireland back in 2013. Ever since, he has only seemed unstoppable on the international stage. Not to forget, his stoppage-time equalizing free-kick against Spain in the 2018 FIFA World Cup was a strike beyond mesmerizing.

Trending

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr Dealt Major Blow as Head Coach Luis Castro Undergoes Surgery After Missing Team Training

April 18, 2024 05:21 AM EDT

Is Cristiano Ronaldo Playing Tonight For Al Nassr Vs Al Fayha?

April 18, 2024 10:00 PM EDT

Who is Cristiano Ronaldo’s Eldest Son Cristiano Jr’s Biological Mother?

July 12, 2023 09:29 AM EDT

“It’s Cristiano Ronaldo”- Usain Bolt Refuses to Include Lionel Messi in ‘Top 3’ Players of All Time, Years After GOAT Debate Snub

April 19, 2024 06:53 AM EDT

Who Is 17YO Endrick’s 3 Years Older Girlfriend Gabriely Miranda? Everything To Know About Real Madrid-Bound Star’s Partner

December 18, 2023 06:27 PM EST

Get instantly notified of the hottest Soccer stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

On the other hand, Messi scored his first hat-trick against Switzerland on 29th February 2012. He also scored a famous hat-trick against Brazil where he dribbles past the defenders and smashes the ball into the corner of the net. Moreover, his hat-trick against Ecuador took Argentina to the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Both these players have scored tons of goals, etching their name in the history books of the game.

The Kingdom Awaits- How Can Chelsea Sign Hero Eden Hazard Back From Real Madrid?

Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo

When looking from their career perspective, Ronaldo edges past Messi in terms of hat-tricks scored with a 58-55 record. Significantly, CR7 has played two seasons more than Ronaldo. The breakdown of their hat-tricks looks stunning.

With his games per hat-trick rate at 18.7, Ronaldo has consistently exhibited brilliance. But, 31 of his 58 hat tricks include penalties. Although this may not be an important statistic, fans would argue the fact that Messi has scored lesser penalties.

The little Argentinian has a 17.1 hat-tricks per game record while only 14 of his hat-tricks include penalties. With most goals scored from open-play, Messi has a significant advantage over Ronaldo when looking from this perspective. Moreover, both the players have scored eight hat-tricks in the Champions League.

Regardless of who wins the GOAT debate, both Messi and Ronaldo remain two of the greatest players to have ever graced this sport. However, do you think Messi will surpass Ronaldo’s international hat-trick record?

WATCH THIS STORY- When Usain Bolt Stunned Everyone With His Basketball Dunking Skills