108-goal star 'happy' Cristiano Ronaldo broke incredible record & that entry in the history books is shared with 'genius' Lionel Messi

Legendary frontman Daei found the target on 108 occasions for Iran between 1993 and 2006. He would remain at the top of that chart until September 2021, when Portuguese sensation Ronaldo set about rewriting the history books.

Ronaldo is still going strong at 39 years of age, with his international goal tally taken to 135 and counting, with Daei telling FIFA’s official website of relinquishing a record to the all-time great: “Breaking records is part of football, and I’m happy that a player like Ronaldo was the one to do it. He’s an exceptional and hard-working player, and he’s proven those qualities throughout his career. Ronaldo is a huge role model for young players, and his record shows that anything is possible.”

Daei has been nudged down to third on the all-time list after seeing eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi reach 112 goals for Argentina. There is, however, plenty to be proud of when it comes to forming part of an elite club alongside two of the finest talents to have ever played the game.

Daei added: “Messi is a genius and a unique player. He has incredible vision and game intelligence, and watching him play is always a joy. Messi is one of the greatest in history and, like Ronaldo, he inspires millions of people around the world.”

He went on to say of being one of only three men to hit a century of international goals: “It’s a great honour. Football has always been a big part of my life, and being alongside players like Ronaldo and Messi makes all my hard work worth it. The achievement is more than just a number to me. It’s a testament to the love I have for the game.”

Messi and Ronaldo continue to raise the bar of individual brilliance to heights that few can ever dream of reaching. Neither is showing any sign of calling it a day either, with both continuing to represent their respective nations while remaining talismanic figures for Inter Miami and Al-Nassr at club level.