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<p>Who will claim the top position?</p>
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<img alt="Record breakers - Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi nearing World Cup qualifying record" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/galerie/ronaldo-and-messi-1757324147-176981.png" title="Record breakers - Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi nearing World Cup qualifying record">
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<p dir="ltr">For years, international football has been dominated by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The Portuguese star’s triumph at Euro 2016 and his Argentine counterpart’s World Cup victory in 2022 showcase their impact on the sport. However, despite their impressive goals, assists, and accolades, one notable achievement in international football still eludes both players—at least for the time being.</p>
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<p dir="ltr">As both players represent their countries, with Portugal and Argentina striving to top their groups ahead of next year's World Cup, it’s important to highlight that neither Ronaldo nor Messi holds the record for the most goals scored in World Cup qualifying matches. Ahead of his upcoming match with Hungary, Ronaldo has netted 38 goals in 48 qualifying matches for Portugal. Meanwhile, after scoring twice in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Venezuela, Messi's tally stands at 36 goals in 72 qualifiers. Yet, there is one player who surpasses them both.</p>
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<img alt="WCQG" height="629" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/newsansicht/wcq-goals-top-10-1757324124-176980.png?lm=1757324131" title="WCQG" width="503">
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<p dir="ltr">Carlos Ruiz holds the record for the most goals in World Cup qualifiers, although few outside of Guatemala or the United States may recognize him. Before his retirement in 2017, the striker amassed an impressive 39 goals in just 47 matches over 16 years of international duty, placing him one goal ahead of Ronaldo and three ahead of Messi. However, they are not the only elite players aspiring to break Ruiz's record.</p>
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<p dir="ltr">The graph showcasing the top 10 leading goalscorers in World Cup qualifiers reveals that five other active players are also on the lookout for more goals. Poland’s Robert Lewandowski is just three goals shy of Iranian legend Ali Daei, who holds the fourth spot. Luis Suárez of Uruguay, Sardar Azmoun of Iran, and New Zealand's Chris Wood are all tied at 29 goals for their national teams. Despite nearing 40 years of age, Edin Džeko remains a key player for Bosnia and Herzegovina, entering the top 10 with 28 goals in 40 matches.</p>
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