Salah reaches Egypt century record faster than Messi, Ronaldo
Mohamed Salah has reached 100 goal contributions for Egypt quicker than Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, proving his influence as the Pharaohs progressed to the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Liverpool forward hit the landmark during Egypt’s 3-2 quarter-final win over Ivory Coast, scoring in the 52nd minute of a tightly contested encounter.
The goal proved decisive and took Salah to a century of direct goal involvements for his country.
Landmark achievement on the continental stage
Salah’s tally stands at 65 goals and 35 assists from 111 international appearances since making his debut in 2011. He reached the milestone in fewer games than both Messi and Ronaldo, making him one of the most productive forwards in international football.
Only two Brazilian greats reached the mark quicker. Pelé needed 77 matches, while Neymar achieved it in 94 games. Salah now sits ahead of Romelu Lukaku, who required 113 appearances, and Luis Suárez, who took 116.
How Salah compares with the all-time greats
Messi reached 100 goal contributions for Argentina after 122 matches and has since gone on to score 115 international goals.
Former Iran striker Ali Daei hit the same mark in 123 games, while Robert Lewandowski needed 128 caps for Poland. Cristiano Ronaldo and Miroslav Klose both reached the milestone after 136 appearances.
AFCON glory still the missing piece
Despite his individual numbers and consistent success at club level, Salah is still chasing a major international trophy with Egypt.
He has twice finished runner-up at the Africa Cup of Nations and is captaining the current side in another attempt to lift the title.
Former Nigeria stars Jay-Jay Okocha and John Obi Mikel have previously suggested that AFCON success is key to cementing continental legacy. Salah himself remains focused on the task at hand.
“It was a perfect win,” Salah said after the Ivory Coast match. “We are fighting for our country. We’ll give everything in the next game.”
Club impact as AFCON run continues
Egypt’s continued progress means Salah will remain unavailable for Liverpool, missing further domestic fixtures as the AFCON final is scheduled for January 18.
