Heartbreaking! Messi scores 5 goals in 2 matches, matching Ronaldo's total across 3 World Cups; a pundit says Ronaldo isn't even worthy of tying Messi's shoelaces.

In a key Group J match of the World Cup on June 23 Beijing time, defending champion Argentina defeated Austria 2-0, securing their second straight win and advancing to the knockout stage with a game to spare.

In this match, Messi scored twice, bringing his World Cup goal tally to 18, surpassing Klose to become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history.

After the game, former Premier League star and commentator Chris Sutton praised Messi on social media, bluntly stating that the rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo is over, as the latter is now "not even worthy of tying Messi's shoelaces."

Sutton said: "It's not just his goals; Messi's contribution to Argentina is incredible. The timing, the space he sees, and those deadly passes.He's playing a completely different game from everyone else. Ronaldo right now isn't even fit to tie Messi's shoelaces. This is no longer a competition."

Although Sutton's comments might make Ronaldo's fans feel very uncomfortable, the World Cup statistics do paint a rather painful picture.

In the last three World Cups, Ronaldo has scored only 5 goals in total. In his first match of this tournament, Ronaldo had 3 shots with 0 on target and missed 2 clear chances, leading Portugal to a disappointing 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Meanwhile, Messi has already netted 5 goals in his first two matches of this World Cup, equaling Ronaldo's total from the last three editions. Of course, Ronaldo still has a chance to redeem himself. Next, he will lead Portugal in their second group-stage match against Uzbekistan, a new Asian entrant.