Turkey’s Messi took the biggest step in his career so far, as Arda Guler surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo to create history with his goal against Georgia in Turkey’s 3-1 win in their first EURO 2024 match.
Guler and Turkey also traveled to Georgia in their opening tournament, which shocked the world. After Mert Muldur’s second-half stunner opened the scoring for Turkey, it was Guler’s turn to shine, as the youngster produced a moment of magic, curling the ball into the top corner of the net from l from outside the box with a beautiful left-foot strike, similar to his goal against Wales last year, to beat the Georgian goalkeeper Mamardashvili.
Arda Guler Sets Record as Youngest Euro Scorer, Leads Turkey to Victory
In his World Cup, Guler, aged 19 years and 114 days, became the youngest player in the history of the UEFA European Championship to score in his first appearance, surpassing the record set by Cristiano Ronaldo in 2004, at 19 years and days 128. Guler also became the third teenager to achieve the feat, behind Ronaldo and Hungary’s Ferenc Bene in 1964.
The young Turk, known as the Turkish Messi by fans and observers, has been shining since 2019. At 14, he joined Fenerbahce and helped them win the Turkish Cup in 2023. Inevitably, his talent led to a move to Real Madrid last summer. Since joining Los Blancos, he has scored 6 goals in 12 games, contributing to their victories in both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.
For Turkey, on the other hand, the youngster helped set the tone for the upcoming tournament, and the team established itself as a possible dark horse in the race.
Mert Mulder opened the scoring for his side before Georges Mikautadze’s equalizer canceled out the lead for the Georgian visitors. However, Arda Guler’s strike helped his side to advance before injury time Muhammed Kerem Akturkoglu gave Turkey three points at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund.
