Cristiano Ronaldo Passes Lionel Messi as Champions League Record Goalscorer
Cristiano Ronaldo moved one goal clear of Lionel Messi to become the Champions League's all-time leading scorer on Tuesday night. He now has 76 career goals in the competition.
The Real Madrid star netted during the semi-final first-leg tie against Juventus to move ahead of Messi, who will receive an opportunity to respond on Wednesday when Barcelona host Bayern Munich at the Camp Nou.
Paul Carr of ESPN.com noted the achievement:
Messi was the first to break the mark of 71 previously set by Real Madrid legend Raul, but it is now Ronaldo who tops the prestigious list.
Ronaldo's record comes after he led Madrid to the club's 10th European title during the 2013-14 Champions League. During that campaign, he also set a new milestone for most goals in a single Champions League season by netting a stunning 17 in 11 matches.
That tally included a brace during the semi-final second leg against Bayern Munich and a goal in the final against Atletico Madrid.
In 2013, Ronaldo was also the first player ever to net nine in a single group stage, per UEFA.com.
Prior to breaking Messi's record, Ronaldo was the subject of major praise from AS' Alfredo Relano, who noted the player's ability to score from any situation: "For Cristiano to achieve these numbers against the tight tactics of these days speaks for his excellence as a finisher: with both legs, his head, from distance, from close range. And with penalties and free-kicks. He’s a formidable goalscorer."
Messi, not to be outdone, previously posted a domestic milestone by becoming La Liga's top goalscorer of all time in an April 18 win over Valencia. The Argentina international scored his 400th goal to claim the record, per BBC Sport:
Ronaldo's eternal battle with Messi will see one of the greats set a seemingly unreachable tally in the Champions League. Because Messi, 27, is three years younger than his Portuguese rival, he is likely to eventually come out on top.
Whatever your allegiance, Ronaldo's achievements are remarkable. He has proved his Champions League efficiency at two different clubs and across three finals, scoring in two European victories.
With a natural willingness to succeed, combined with tremendous physical ability, he stands above Real Madrid's best strikers on the European stage. Ronaldo's achievements also provide undeniable fuel for those who fall on his side of the debate that aims to determine if he is "greater" than Messi.
With plenty of years ahead of him and Leo breathing down his neck, Ronaldo's next objective is to become the first player to post a triple-figure total in club football's toughest competition.
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