As the Pharaohs advanced to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals, Mohamed Salah demonstrated his impact by reaching 100 goals for Egypt faster than Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
In the 52nd minute of a closely contested match, the Liverpool forward scored the historic goal as Egypt defeated Ivory Coast 3-2 in the quarterfinals.
Salah reached a century of direct goal participation for his nation after the goal proved to be decisive.
Since making his debut in 2011, Salah has made 111 appearances for his country, tallying 65 goals and 35 assists. He became one of the most productive forwards in international football after reaching the milestone in fewer games than both Messi and Ronaldo.
Only two legendary Brazilians were able to do so more quickly. Neymar completed it in 94 games, whilst Pelé needed 77.
Salah is currently ahead of Luis Suárez, who needed 116 appearances, and Romelu Lukaku, who needed 113.
After 122 games, Messi scored 100 goals for Argentina. Since then, he has scored 115 goals for his country.
Robert Lewandowski required 128 caps for Poland, whereas former Iranian attacker Ali Daei achieved the same goal in 123 games.
After 136 games, both Cristiano Ronaldo and Miroslav Klose accomplished the feat. Salah is still pursuing a significant international prise with Egypt despite his outstanding numbers and steady success at the club level.
He is leading the current team in an effort to win the Africa Cup of Nations, where he has twice placed second.
Former Nigerian players John Obi Mikel and Jay-Jay Okocha have previously stated that AFCON victory is essential to establishing a continental legacy. Salah himself continues to concentrate on the current assignment.
“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.”
Due to Egypt’s ongoing success, Salah will not be able to play for Liverpool in any more domestic games because the AFCON final is set for January 18, 2026.
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