Messi eyes narrowing gap on Ronaldo's mark in upcoming global break

The scrapping of the Finalissima match forced Spain and Argentina to rearrange their plans for the FIFA international period. Argentinas group seized the moment to line up games versus lesser ranked teams.

Lionel Scalonis title holders will welcome Mauritania and Zambia to La Bombonera. Matches versus these far inferior opponents should offer Messi an ideal setting to boost his goals for the national side. With that he aims to reduce the advantage enjoyed by Cristiano Ronaldo who is missing this period due to injury and holds 144 strikes for Portugal.

If the Inter Miami forward scores in both encounters he would also reduce the difference in yet another area ruled by the famed pair the tally for strikes against the most varied national teams.

Ronaldos haul of 144 goals comes from 48 distinct foes while Messis count for Argentina is 115 goals 29 short against 39 rivals nine fewer. The ex Barcelona standout might thus extend his roster of conquered nations to 41 by the close of this FIFA period.

Among current players boasting at least 40 international goals and 33 varied opponents Ronaldo tops the world list with 48. As this break begins Messi and Robert Lewandowski share second place on 39.

Though the Argentine may tack on two to his count the Polish forward cannot grow his own since despite netting in Polands 2-1 win over Albania he had prior strikes against them and likewise versus Sweden his sides upcoming foe on Tuesday in their push for World Cup qualification.

After this leading trio Romelu Lukaku has tallied against 37 countries but with games versus Mexico and the United States both already breached by him the Belgian stays put. In contrast Son Heung Min on 35 opponents could rise as he meets Austria and Ivory Coast two teams not yet scored on by the South Korean ace.

Harry Kane occupies a like spot having found the net against 34 nations in his career. Yet his shot at advancing is limited by Tuchels decision to sideline him for the debut versus Uruguay leaving the England skipper with just Japan as a possible fresh entry on his conquests list.

Completing the top 10 are two athletes level at 33 different opponents Andriy Yarmolenko and Mohamed Salah. Edin Dzeko has already featured in this break against Wales and seized the chance to score lifting his total to 34 varied opponents matching Harry Kane.