JOVITO LOPES
PANJIM: Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo became the joint-highest scorer in the history of FIFA World Cup qualifiers after finding the net in his side’s 3-2 victory over Hungary in their second Group F qualifier at the Puskás Arena in Budapest on Tuesday.
This was Portugal’s second win of the campaign and Ronaldo’s 141st international goal, his second in the triumph over Hungary. It marked his 39th goal in World Cup qualifiers – the joint-most by any player – consolidating Portugal’s position at the top of the table with six points. Hungary remain on a single point from their earlier 2-2 draw with Ireland. Armenia defeated Ireland 2-1 in the other group fixture, a result that dealt a major blow to Ireland’s hopes.
In Portugal’s opening qualifier, the 40-year-old Ronaldo struck twice in a 5-0 win over Armenia in Yerevan on Saturday, registering his 139th and 140th goals. Attention now turns to whether he can reach the magical 1,000-goal milestone. Hungary and the Republic of Ireland complete the group, with the latter having drawn 2-2 with Hungary in their first outing.
Tuesday’s game was also Portugal’s first match against Armenia since the death of former international Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva, in a car accident in July. A minute’s silence was observed before kick-off in memory of Jota, who earned 49 caps for his country.
Ronaldo is now the outright top scorer in men’s international football with 141 goals, prompting the question: can he reach the mythical 1,000-goal mark? Only Pelé and Romário are unofficially believed to have achieved that feat. Ronaldo currently has 943 goals in all competitions – including both official and unofficial matches but excluding club friendlies. Sources close to the Portuguese star maintain he is determined to make history before the end of his illustrious career.
Having led Portugal to UEFA Nations League success last summer, Ronaldo continues to chase the one major trophy that eludes him – the World Cup – already secured by his great rival Lionel Messi, 38, who lifted the FIFA title with Argentina in 2022 and has 879 goals to his name.
Cristiano is also eyeing a record sixth World Cup appearance, set to be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico. A five-time Champions League winner, he also lifted the European Championship with Portugal.
Still scoring at 40, Ronaldo has shown remarkable longevity where many would have retired. His exceptional fitness could yet carry him to the historic 1,000-goal mark, proving age is no barrier. He has won five Ballon d’Or awards, compared with Messi’s eight.
Ronaldo’s goal tally: Sporting CP – 5; Manchester United – 145; Real Madrid – 450; Juventus – 101; Al Nassr – 101; Portugal – 141.
Ronaldo is widely regarded among the greatest footballers of all time, alongside the likes of Pelé, Diego Maradona and Messi – figures often described collectively as the GOATs (Greatest of All Time).