“Lautaro [Martinez] Is Going to Score Another 20 Goals”- Dubiety Over Cristiano Ronaldo Being 2023’s Top Goal Scorer Crushed by Famed Journalist

At 38, Cristiano Ronaldo scored 53 goals, becoming 2023’s top scorer. Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane and PSG’s Kylian Mbappe have closely trailed the Al Nassr star with 52 goals each. As Munich and PSG do not have any matches left, Kane and Mbappe are no competition to the Al Nassr star. If only Erling Haaland recovers from his injury and scores a hat-trick in Manchester City’s remaining match, he can equal Ronaldo. Nonetheless, some are a bit reluctant to accept CR7 as 2023’s top scorer. However, ESPN’s Julien Laurens doesn’t lack conviction. He says ‘nobody can catch’ Ronaldo- the top scorer.

Interestingly, to prove his point, Julien Laurens threw jibes at fellow ESPN journalist Gabriel Marcotti. However, Laurens’ comments in support of Cristiano Ronaldo reached a comic high with a witty remark on Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez.

Nobody left to chase Cristiano Ronaldo for the top goal scorer crown

The recent episode of ESPN FC’s Gab  and Juls show saw the hosts discuss Cristiano Ronaldo’s milestone 53 goals. Gabriel Marcotti said Ronaldo “reportedly” scored that many goals. Julien Laurens replied someone uses the word ‘reportedly’ when they are not sure. He added there is nothing to be unsure about CR7’s 53 goals, as they can be counted. Soon, Marcotti funnily remarked that the year was not over yet. “Nobody can catch him,” said Laurens in reply, citing Mbappe and Kane are short of matches now. Marcotti had no plans to end having fun. He told Laurens that Serie A has matches left. “What? Lautaro [Martinez] is going to score 20 goals tomorrow?,” said Laurens, dismantling Marcotti’s dubiety and also taking a dig at Martinez.

Lautaro Martinez has scored 29 goals for Inter Milan this year. Therefore, he will have to score more than 20 goals to near Cristiano Ronaldo’s astounding 53-goal feat. While Laurens regards Ronaldo as this year’s top scorer, a controversial FIFA ruling might put him behind the likes of Kane and Mbappe.

FIFA’s controversial rule is no good news for Ronaldo

Of Cristiano Ronaldo’s 53 goals, six were scored in UAFA’s Arab Clubs Championship. FIFA reportedly does not recognize the Arab Championship as a major competition. This means Ronaldo’s goal tally could come to 47 goals. Then Kane, Mbappe, and Haaland will all surpass the Portuguese veteran. Since statistics-based reference platforms do not take goals scored at non-FIFA recognized competitions, this could indeed be a big blow to CR7.

READ MORE: Manchester City Ace Equals Cristiano Ronaldo’s Premier League Record After Defeating Everton 3-1

However, a large faction of soccer pundits such as Julien Lauren, and even Gabriel Marcotti are convinced that the Portuguese man’s 53 goals are undisputed. Perhaps the fact that Ronaldo has done what he has done at the age of 38 has prompted pundits to overlook FIFA’s ruling. For, his ability to challenge young superstars, that too from a non-European league, remains a mystery to the soccer world.

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