Cristiano Ronaldo Makes History, Surpasses Messi With Another Incredible Record
- Cristiano Ronaldo netted his 141st goal for Portugal, equalling another world record in their dramatic 3-2 win over Hungary
- His strike from the penalty spot in the 58th minute also marked the 40-year-old’s 943rd official career goal
- Joao Cancelo’s late winner sealed the victory, sending Portugal to the top of their 2026 World Cup qualifying group
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have dominated world football, driving each other to unmatched levels of greatness through countless records.
Now, with Portugal, Ronaldo has reached a milestone that Messi will never reach - setting a unique benchmark in World Cup qualifiers.
Source: Getty Images
This achievement came during Portugal’s clash with Hungary on Matchday 2 of the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers for the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Inside a buzzing Puskás Aréna, Hungary struck first after just 21 minutes when Dominik Szoboszlai led a blistering counter-attack, capped off by Barnabas Varga’s precise header.
Their joy, however, was short-lived. In the 36th minute, Bernardo Silva pounced in the box and lashed the ball into the top corner to bring Portugal level, per Standard UK.
After the break, Roberto Martinez’s men tightened their grip, and within 13 minutes they edged ahead.
Loic Nego was penalised for handball, and Ronaldo converted coolly from the spot, a strike that not only pulled his team back into the game but also etched another milestone into his ever-growing legacy.
Below is Ronaldo's penalty goal that was shared on X:
Just as the match seemed destined to fade out, Varga rose again in the 84th minute, glancing a brilliant header beyond Diogo Costa to send the home crowd into raptures.
But Portugal’s response was swift and ruthless. Only two minutes later, João Cancelo curled a stunning strike into the bottom corner, sealing a dramatic 3-2 win and preserving Portugal’s flawless record at the top of Group F.
Cristiano Ronaldo claims another international record
Ronaldo’s strike marked his 39th goal in World Cup qualifying, pulling him level with Guatemalan legend Carlos “Pescadito” Ruiz as the competition’s all-time leading scorer.
The Portuguese captain had already surpassed Messi on Saturday against Armenia, when his brace lifted him to 38.
Messi, who netted twice against Venezuela last week to reach 36, has since confirmed that was his final appearance in World Cup qualifying, leaving his long-time rival to extend the record unchallenged.
Portugal, meanwhile, sits atop Group F with six points from two matches, and with four qualifiers still to play in November, Ronaldo has the opportunity not only to guide his nation closer to the 2026 World Cup but also to push the record further out of reach.
Source: Getty Images
Ronaldo turned to social media after Portugal’s hard-fought win over Hungary, sharing his emotions with fans.
In his post, the Portuguese captain celebrated the team’s second straight victory and sent out a congratulatory message to his teammates:
"Dois jogos, duas vitórias. Vamos, Portugal!", which translates as "'Two games, two wins. Come on, Portugal!"
With his strike against Hungary, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United icon lifted his tally to 141 international goals and 943 official career strikes, edging ever closer to the once-unthinkable milestone of 1,000 goals in modern football.
Thomas Muller revisits Ronaldo vs Messi debate
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Thomas Muller has revisited the greatest of all time debate, weighing in on whether Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi deserves the crown.
For more than 15 years, Ronaldo and Messi have dominated world football, cementing their places as two of the greatest players of all time.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
