Cristiano Ronaldo is close to matching a certain Lionel Messi milestone after his incredible hat-trick in Al Nassr's 8-0 demolition of Pitso Mosimane's Abha Club this week.
Check Out: Ronaldo Sets Records In Historic Win Over Pitso's Abha Club
Earlier this week, the Portuguese superstar scored three goals in what was the heaviest defeat Mosimane has suffered in his managerial career.
Two of the 39-year-old's goals came in the form of direct free-kicks, which saw him edge closer to his long-time rival Messi, now of Inter Miami in the MLS, for successful set-piece efforts.
According to Bolavip, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner has now netted on 63 occasions from free-kicks, with Messi having struck two more times in such fashion in his playing career.
Ronaldo scored his first free-kick goal in the 2003/04 campaign during his first spell at Manchester United, while Messi's first was converted in the 2008/09 season when he was still at Barcelona.
Since joining Saudi giants Al Nassr, the ex-Real Madrid talisman has elevated the profile of the Saudi Pro League, but might need to wait for next season for his first chance to win the league title there.
Check Out: Pitso Speaks After Career-Worst Loss To Ronaldo's Al Nassr
The Knights of Najd finished second to Al Ittihad on the table in his debut campaign in the Middle East, and are currently 12 points adrift of leaders Al Hilal this time around, with only eight matches remaining.
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