CRINGEY Cristiano Ronaldo superfans hailed their hero for getting another record over rival Lionel Messi.
But it is not one Ronaldo will be boasting about too much.
The Portuguese forward, 37, converted from the penalty spot as Manchester United took on FC Sheriff in Moldova.
Not only was that his first goal of the season – but it was also his first goal in the Europa League.
That means he has surpassed fellow GOAT Messi’s grand total of zero in the B-list Uefa club competition.
And Ronaldo supporters on Twitter enjoyed the gentle ribbing at Messi’s expense to laud the Red Devils legend.
READ MORE ON MAN UTD
One joked: “Goal scored in Europa League [or Uefa Cup] since it was founded in 1971: Cristiano Ronaldo: 1, Messi: 0. This is why Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest player of all time.”
Another quipped: “Ronaldo with his first ever Europa League goal. I’d bet that Messi will never be able to catch up to him in that category.”
A third said: “Ronaldo has a better legacy in Europa League than Messi… My GOAT.”
And a final user added: “How many Europa League goals does Messi have?”
Most read in Football
HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
Of course, Messi has no Europa League goals because he has never featured in it.
Barcelona were an ever-present in the Champions League during his time in the first team at the Nou Camp and has continued in the elite club tournament with PSG.
Ronaldo, however, was forced to settle with Europa League action after United finished sixth last season and he failed to secure a summer transfer away – but will push again in January for an exit.
The United star also boasts the most Champions League goals of anyone – with his tally of 140 currently 14 better than Messi.
However, the Argentine has a whole season to try and cut that gap down.
And he made a start with his finish to equalise against Maccabi Haifa last night.
That goal ensured Messi broke a different Ronaldo record with the Israeli side the 39th different Champions League opposition the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has scored against.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
