Global football sensation and living legend Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, made histroy and bagged another record for his home country Portugal.
The 40-year-old Ronaldo became the all-time top scorer in World Cup qualifiers with his 40th goal in the 22nd minute against Hungary, tapping in the equaliser to surpass retired Guatemalan striker Carlos Ruiz.
Ronaldo then scored his 41st World Cup qualifying goal, completing the turnaround deep into the first-half stoppage time with another tap-in to send Portugal into the break ahead.
Portugal dominated early on in the second half, hitting the woodwork twice. But as the match approached the 90-minute mark, Hungary grew into the game, with Szalai also hitting the bar.
The star took to X and thanked his fans for their support, saying that “It is no secret that representing the National Team means a lot to me, and that is why I am very proud to have reached this unique milestone for Portugal.
Thank you to everyone who helped me get here. See you in November to seal the qualification for the World Cup!”
Portugal were forced to delay punching their World Cup ticket after being held to a 2-2 home draw by Hungary in Tuesday’s qualifier as Dominik Szoboszlai struck a stoppage-time equaliser after two goals from Cristiano Ronaldo had put the hosts ahead.
Portugal could have sealed a place at next year’s finals in the U.S., Canada and Mexico with a victory that would have clinched top spot in Group F.
But they will now have to wait until November, sitting on 10 points from four matches, five ahead of Hungary, with both teams having two games remaining. Ireland are third with four points.
