Cristiano Ronaldo helped Portugal maintain a perfect start to the World Cup qualifying in a 3-2 victory over Hungary on Tuesday, with his second half goal comparable to another record as he
Cristiano Ronaldo left Lionel Messi even further behind after comparing another surprising scoring record in Portugal’s 3-2 victory over Hungary. Ronaldo, 40, scored a penalty in Budapest’s second half, putting his side ahead after Hungary took a 21 minute lead in Tuesday’s clash.
The Portuguese captain’s goal was cancelled with just six minutes of normal time left, but Joao Cancelo responded quickly to confirm that Roberto Martinez’s team had scored all three points. Ronaldo’s spot kick extended the record with most goals scored in men’s international soccer (141).
But it made him the co-leading scorer in World Cup qualifying history. Ronaldo, who scored twice in Armenia’s 5-0 thrashing on Saturday, has the 39th goal in World Cup qualifying.
It is at a critical level for Guatemalan legend Carlos Luis and, importantly, Ronaldo, ahead of his eternal rival Lionel Messi, who scored two Argentina goals during the international window. Another goal during Portugal’s next match in Group F at home in the Republic of Ireland next month will be to see him become the perfect top scorer in World Cup qualifying history.
Ronaldo recently lifted the Nations League trophy twice for the first time in six years, and Portugal was successful with the perfect start to their qualifying campaign. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner and his teammates have already cleared three points at the top of Group F, winning two games in the opening two.
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Ronaldo reflected his country’s perfect start on Instagram and posted after his victory: “Two games, 2 wins. Let’s go to Portugal!”
The former Manchester United superstar has only 57 goals since reaching 1,000 for his career. However, Ronaldo’s main focus this season is on the team’s admiration.
Nearly three years after Al-Nassr and the Strikers have yet to lift the major trophies. Ronaldo is eager to win the World Cup in 2026, and win on par with Messi’s tally.
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However, Ronaldo claims that lifting the European Championship with Portugal in 2016 is the same as Messi’s 2022 World Cup victory.
“I’ve already won two trophies in Portugal (Nations League and Euro). I really wanted it. I’m not motivated by it. I’m motivated to enjoy football, and the records appear in a natural way. I don’t chase records, they’re the ones who chase me.”
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