Cristiano Ronaldo Breaks Lionel Messi's Record To Become 2nd Highest Scorer In...

Last Updated:September 07, 2025, 06:41 IST

Ronaldo has scored 38 goals in World Cup qualifying matches for Portugal, which is two more than Lionel Messi's tally of 36.

Cristiano Ronaldo breaks Lionel Messi's record of 36 goals in FIFA World Cup qualifiers. (Picture Credit: AP)

Legendary Portugal footballer Cristiano Ronaldo entered his name in the record books on Saturday, September 6, by breaking his long-time rival Lionel Messi’s record of 36 goals in FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The 40-year-old footballer, who plays for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League after joining them in December 2022, scored twice for Portugal against Armenia in their World Cup qualifying match in Yerevan on Saturday.

The brace against Armenia in Portugal’s 5-0 win has taken Ronaldo’s tally of goals to 38 in World Cup qualifiers. Only Carlos Ruiz of Guatemala has scored more goals (39) than Ronaldo now in World Cup qualifiers.

Most goals in FIFA World Cup qualifiers

Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo was in sparkling form, Portugal’s irrepressible 40-year-old talisman scoring in either half, the second a sizzling shot from distance, to take his record international tally to 140 goals, over two decades after his first.

A brace from Joao Felix, Ronaldo’s new teammate at Saudi side Al Nassr, and a contribution from another Saudi-based player Joao Cancelo lifted Roberto Martinez’s Nations League winners top of Group F.

Cancelo marked his goal by pointing to the skies with both hands in memory of Jota’s goal celebration.

Lazio left-back Nuno Tavares believed Ronaldo’s 21st-minute goal held special significance as 21 was the shirt number worn by Jota when playing for his country.

“We’re all very happy because it shows he’s (Jota) with us, that he was there, and that moment, Ronaldo’s goal, was made possible. He’ll always be with us, as was clear today," said the defender.

Ronaldo said on social media it was the “first step taken" in his quest to appear at a sixth World Cup.

Portugal’s next opponents on Tuesday are Hungary, who despite playing the last 30 minutes a man down secured a 2-2 draw in Dublin against the Republic of Ireland.

Hungary were on their way to take all three points until Adam Idah’s equaliser in the third minute of added time for the hosts.

(With inputs from AFP)

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