Cristiano Ronaldo once again demonstrated why he is still one of the biggest icons in football as he scored his 39th goal in FIFA World Cup qualifiers to move level with Guatemala legend Carlos Ruiz on the all-time list. Ronaldo also further stretched his advantage over arch-rival Lionel Messi, who has 36 on the World Cup qualifiers’ list. Ronaldo’s latest feat came when his team came from behind to grab a 3-2 win over Hungary in Budapest on Tuesday.
The milestone also took Ronaldo to his 141st international goal in 223 games for Portugal, firmly placing him at the top of the chart for most goals scored at men’s international level. In his career at the senior level, he has now accumulated a mind-boggling 943 goals and is eyeing the mythical 1,000-goal mark a record that would further etch him into footballing legend.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Portugal beat Hungary in Five-Goal Thriller
Portugal won their second successive game in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers 3-2 against Hungary in a thriller. A late goal by Joao Cancelo ensured the win after Barnabas Varga’s double had brought Hungary back into the game twice.
The game was started by Hungary scoring first blood through Varga’s header, but parity was achieved when Bernardo Silva thumped in the equalising finish. Ronaldo later put Portugal ahead in the 58th minute from the spot, putting it in easily at the bottom corner after his shot hit Loic Nego’s hand.
Even though Portugal dominated possession, Hungary kept threatening, and Varga again equalized with a header in the 84th minute. Before the hosts could smell an upset, Cancelo took advantage of a defensive mistake and slotted home the winner to secure three crucial points for Roberto Martinez’s team.
Ronaldo vs Messi: The Eternal Rivalry
With his most recent hit, Ronaldo was three goals clear of Lionel Messi in the World Cup qualifier goals race. The Portuguese striker’s consistency on the international stage is still unmatched. Messi, who came out of international retirement briefly to lead Argentina to Copa América and World Cup titles, is still his closest competitor in this category.
The statistics highlight their unparalleled legacies: Ronaldo, 141 goals on the international stage; Messi, 123. But that both are still playing at the pinnacle in their late 30s is a testament to their unparalleled longevity and commitment. For Ronaldo, a sixth World Cup appearance in 2026 in North America could be a record-equalling milestone.
FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Portugal’s Road Ahead
Having thrashed Armenia 5-0 in their previous match, Portugal top Group F with six points from two games. They are followed by Armenia on three points, while Hungary have yet to win a game. The Nations League title winners are among the favorites for the 2026 World Cup, thanks to their mix of veteran stars like Ronaldo and Silva, and emerging stars like Joao Felix and Rafael Leao.
Speaking after the match, Bernardo Silva admitted: “It’s always difficult to find balance against teams with a low block, but the most important thing is the three points. We’ve taken a giant step towards qualification.”
Coach Roberto Martinez echoed similar sentiments, praising his players’ resilience despite conceding two goals: “I loved the attitude and focus. It’s a perfect match for improvement.”
For Ronaldo, matching Ruiz’s record in World Cup qualifiers is another feather in his cap. Beyond the figures, his tireless passion continues to motivate teammates and fans around the globe.
With the 2026 World Cup just over two years away, Ronaldo is Portugal’s talisman, in pursuit of collective success as well as the ultimate individual milestone the 1,000-goal benchmark.
