‘First Step Taken’: Cristiano Ronaldo breaks Messi’s World Cup qualifying record to kickstart Portugal’s 2026 bid
WC Qualifiers 2026: With his 140th strike for Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo surpassed his long-time rival Lionel Messi on the all-time goal-scoring charts in FIFA World Cup qualifiers, moving up to 38 goals in 48 appearances
Cristiano Ronaldo struck a stunning 46th-minute goal to double his tally against Armenia. (Reuters) Goal machine Cristiano Ronaldo began his bid for a sixth FIFA World Cup finals appearance with characteristic flair, scoring twice and breaking records as Portugal routed Armenia 5-0 in their WC Qualifiers opener on Saturday night.
After his Al-Nassr teammate Joao Felix opened the scoring in the 10th minute, Ronaldo doubled Portugal’s lead in the 21st minute with his 139th international goal. The 40-year-old expertly brushed past his defender to connect with a cross from close range.
Ronaldo surpasses Messi’s record with stunner
Joao Cancelo extended Portugal’s lead to three goals in the 32nd minute, scoring from a cut-back pass by Felix. Just a minute into the second half, Ronaldo scored his second goal with a brilliant, long-range volley that flew into the net. Although the Armenian goalkeeper, Henri Avagyan, got a faint touch on the ball, he was unable to stop its powerful trajectory. With his 140th strike for Portugal, Ronaldo surpassed his long-time rival Lionel Messi on the all-time goal-scoring charts in FIFA World Cup qualifiers, moving up to 38 goals in 48 appearances, edging the Argentinian superstar’s 36 goals in 72 matches.
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