Perišić breaks Šuker's World Cup scoring record, matches Messi's unique feat

Ivan Perišić has etched his name further into Croatian football history, surpassing Davor Šuker's long-standing record for the most goals scored by a Croatian player at the World Cup. The 37-year-old veteran netted his seventh World Cup goal against Portugal in the Round of 16, breaking Šuker's 28-year-old record of six goals.

Perišić achieved this milestone across four World Cup tournaments (2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026), demonstrating remarkable longevity and consistency. In contrast, Šuker scored all his six goals during the iconic 1998 World Cup in France, where he also won the Golden Boot as the tournament's top scorer. Perišić's goals have been scored in various stages, from group matches to knockout games and medal playoffs.

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Ovim pogotkom Perišić je dodatno učvrstio status jednog od najvećih igrača u povijesti hrvatske reprezentacije, neki bi čak rekli i najvećeg, barem na velikim natjecanjima, na kojima je sveukupno postigao 11 pogodaka (računajući i europska prvenstva).

Beyond his World Cup scoring record, Perišić has drawn parallels with football icon Lionel Messi. Both players are now the only ones in the 96-year history of the World Cup to have both scored a goal and provided an assist in four separate World Cup tournaments. Perišić's involvement in Croatia's goals at the World Cup extends to 13 instances, with seven goals and six assists, making him the most effective Croatian player in the tournament's history.

Perišić's remarkable career also places him among Croatia's top scorers and most-capped players. His latest achievement underscores his significant contribution to Croatian football, solidifying his status as one of the nation's greatest players, particularly on the grandest stage of international competition.

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Naime, Perišić i Messi su jedina dva nogometaša u 96 godina dugoj povijesti svjetskih prvenstava koji su i zabili pogodak i upisali asistenciju na četiri različita Svjetska prvenstva.