The Digest:
Cristiano Ronaldo has once again made history, overtaking Lionel Messi in World Cup qualifying goals after scoring twice for Portugal in a 5-0 win over Armenia. With 38 qualifying goals, he is now just one goal behind Carlos Ruiz’s record.
Key Points:
- Ronaldo's two goals bring his total in World Cup qualifiers to 38, surpassing Messi's 36 goals.
- Ronaldo now trails only Carlos Ruiz, who scored 39 goals in CONCACAF qualifying for Guatemala.
- The victory helped Portugal maintain momentum in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
- Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo also scored, contributing to Portugal’s commanding win.
- Ronaldo’s record-breaking performance was punctuated by an emotional tribute to Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away earlier in the year.
- The 40-year-old Ronaldo holds the record for international goals (138) and caps (221), further solidifying his place in football history.
- Despite his age, Ronaldo continues to defy expectations, and his sights are set on breaking more records in the 2026 World Cup.
Ronaldo’s brace against Armenia not only lifted Portugal but also solidified his place as one of the greatest goal scorers in international football. As he edges closer to the World Cup qualifying record, his relentless pursuit of greatness continues. His journey remains a testament to longevity, skill, and dedication in the world of football.
Sources: UEFA, FIFA
