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Cristiano Ronaldo Lionel Messi Portugal ArgentinaGetty/GOAL
Peter McVitie

Cristiano Ronaldo is in Lionel Messi's sights! Argentina captain moves into second on all-time international scorers list after crucial Copa America goal vs Canada

Lionel Messi is closing in on Cristiano Ronaldo on the list of men's top international scorers of all time after his goal against Canada.

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Article continues below

Article continues below

  • Messi nets in Copa America semi-final win
  • Moves into second place in top-scorer list
  • Ronaldo has big lead over his famous rival

  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The 37-year-old netted his team's second goal as the Albiceleste beat Canada 2-0 in the Copa America semi-final on Tuesday evening to remain on track to win the competition for the second consecutive time.

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  • CRISTIANO RONALDO PORTUGALGetty Images

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Messi's goal is his 109th in 186 appearances for the Argentina senior team, moving him one clear of Iran legend Ali Daei, who held the record for men's international football's highest scorer for years until Ronaldo broke it in September 2021.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Now the second-highest scorer in international football history, Inter Miami star Messi will hope to close the gap on Portugal sensation Ronaldo. However, the 39-year-old now has a huge lead over his eternal rival, having now netted a whopping 130 times in 212 games for his country.

    Player/CountryCapsGoals
    Cristiano Ronaldo/Portugal212130
    Lionel Messi/Argentina186109
    Ali Daei/Iran148108
    Sunil Chhetri/India15194
    Mokhtar Dahari/Malaysia14289

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  • Lionel Messi Argentina Copa America 2024Getty Images

    WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI & RONALDO?

    Messi will hope to add even more goals to his record when Argentina face either Uruguay or Colombia in the Copa America final before he returns to MLS action with Inter Miami. After crashing out of Euro 2024 with Portugal, Ronaldo will rest up before he begins the new Saudi Pro League campaign with Al-Nassr.