Shaka Hislop: Messi and Ronaldo could chase 1,000 career goals together | OneFootball

Cristiano Ronaldo is closing in on 980 career goals and Lionel Messi is approaching 930, and Shaka Hislop believes their shared legacy could drive both towards 1,000.

"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." Hislop told Goal.com.

He represented Portugal at the 2026 World Cup at 41 and has 146 international goals. In the Saudi Pro League he has sustained prolific standards, winning Golden Boots and domestic titles, and there has been talk of playing beyond a deal that runs to summer 2027.

At 39, Messi has retired from Argentina duty with 207 caps and 125 goals, is contracted to Inter Miami through 2028, and has won the MLS Cup and successive MVP awards.

"Maybe he does deep down, but I think it's two different ways that they approach the game. But I'm sure that Messi will get to 1,000 in the next three years."

"I think that's the next goal for both of them, 100%. Cristiano won’t stop before reaching the thousand goals."

Ronaldo has been among the goals again for Al-Nassr at the start of 2026-27, while Messi has returned to action at Inter Miami after his World Cup exploits. Questions remain over longevity, but both appear intent on playing for as long as possible.

Source: Goal.com

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