Ronaldo responds to Messi with 2 goals as Portugal beats Armenia in World Cup Qualifier

Cristiano Ronaldo reignited his rivalry with Lionel Messi by bagging a brace in Portugal's dominant 5-0 victory over Armenia in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

Ronaldo at the age of 40 featured for 90 minutes and scored two goals as Portugal picked up three points at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium on September 6, 2025.

Aside from the two goals from Ronaldo, his new Al Nassr teammate Joao Félix also scored twice while João Cancelo added one more to seal the rout.

The goals by Ronaldo dominated the social media trends and comes as a response to Lionel Messi's recent heroics with Argentina.

Messi also scored a brace for Argentina in a 3-0 World Cup qualifier win against Venezuela on September 5, 2025.

With these two goals against Armenia, Ronaldo now surpasses Messi for the most goals ever scored in World Cup qualifiers.

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He also increased his record as Portugal's all-time leading scorer and the most prolific goalscorer in men's international football history.

Portugal in are now cruising in Group F as Ronaldo continues his quest for a record sixth World Cup appearance.

Messi on the other hand hinted at a possible departure from the Argentine national team following his two goals against Venezuela.

Ronaldo returns to action when Portugal takes on Hungary in their next qualifier.