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Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo took another significant stride towards his eternal rival, Lionel Messi, in the annals of football history, propelled by Portugal's dramatic victory over Spain in the Nations League final. Leading his nation into battle at the Allianz Arena on Sunday, Ronaldo faced a Spanish side crowned Euro champions and heavily tipped for victory. The match delivered edge-of-your-seat tension, culminating in a 5-3 penalty shootout triumph for Portugal after a grueling 120 minutes ended deadlocked at 2-2.
Crucially, Ronaldo himself ignited Portugal's fightback with a vital 61st-minute equalizer, keeping their dreams alive deep into extra time. This hard-fought win not only secured silverware but also saw Ronaldo narrow a notable gap with Messi in a prestigious international milestone.
Cristiano Ronaldo's treble chases Lionel Messi's quintet
While the night belonged to Portugal's collective spirit and nerve in the shootout, the broader narrative centers on Cristiano Ronaldo's evolving international legacy. This Nations League triumph represents his third major trophy lifted while wearing the iconic red and green of Portugal. It adds another glittering chapter to his remarkable service since his international debut back in 2003.
This third title brings him closer, though not yet level, with his Argentine counterpart, Lionel Messi. Messi currently holds five major international titles with Argentina. His collection boasts the pinnacle: the FIFA World Cup trophy. Alongside this crowning achievement, Messi has secured two Copa America championships, the UEFA-CONMEBOL Finalissima, and an Olympic gold medal from the 2008 Beijing Games.
Therefore, Ronaldo's latest success sees him draw nearer in this specific count of major international honors. He now possesses three significant pieces of silverware for Portugal: two UEFA Nations League crowns (including this 2025 victory) and the memorable UEFA European Championship title captured in 2016. Each trophy represents years of dedication and leadership on the international stage.
Portugal's path to this final was far from straightforward, underscoring the magnitude of their achievement. The team delivered standout performances throughout the 2025 UEFA Nations League campaign, navigating a challenging route that included knocking out formidable contenders like Denmark and Germany en route to the championship match. Cristiano Ronaldo, demonstrating his enduring class and influence, played a pivotal role in this resurgent Portuguese effort.
The victory in Munich, sealed under the intense pressure of penalties against their Iberian neighbors, reignites the perennial comparison between the two modern giants. Ronaldo's relentless pursuit of excellence, even in the latter stages of his career, ensures the debate over international legacies remains fiercely alive.
While Lionel Messi still holds the edge in the number of major international trophies (5 to 3), Cristiano Ronaldo's third title, hard-earned against the European champions, signifies a meaningful step closer in this iconic personal milestone within their legendary rivalry. The chase continues, fueled by moments like this dramatic night in Germany.
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