Hislop: Messi and Ronaldo could push for 1,000-goal landmark | OneFootball

Shaka Hislop believes the rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi could drive both to 1,000 competitive goals, with the Portuguese forward currently ahead.

Speaking to Goal.com, Hislop said: “I think that's what football almost wants to see. If we end up with two players over 1,000 goals, that is probably in keeping with their shared legacy in this game.”

Ronaldo is closing on 980 goals for club and country. He played at the 2026 World Cup at 41 and has 146 for Portugal. There has been talk of playing on beyond his deal, which runs to summer 2027.

Messi, 39, recently reached a third World Cup final and has another Ballon d'Or nod, taking him to eight. He has won MLS Cup and successive MVP awards, is contracted to Inter Miami through 2028, and has retired from Argentina duty with 207 caps and 125 goals. His career total is nearing 930.

“I'm not sure,” Giuseppe Rossi said. “But I'm sure that Messi will get to 1,000 in the next three years.”

Wesley Sneijder said: “I think that's the next goal for both of them, 100%. Cristiano won’t stop before reaching the thousand goals. He will definitely reach one thousand goals as well.”

Ronaldo has started the 2026-27 season among the goals for Al-Nassr, while Messi is back with Inter Miami after his World Cup exploits. Both appear intent on playing for as long as possible.

Source: Goal.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”