Cristiano Ronaldo pulls clear of Lionel Messi to set new record

Cristiano Ronaldo has added another milestone to his legendary career, this time in international soccer. The former Real Madrid superstar became the all-time top goalscorer in World Cup qualifying with a goal in Portugal’s 3-2 victory over Hungary in Budapest on Tuesday, September 9.

Hat-trick rivalry with Messi continues

Just three days earlier, Ronaldo faced Armenia and was denied the chance to surpass old rival Lionel Messi in international hat-tricks. The 41-year-old scored his second goal of the game early in the second half, but Portugal coach Roberto Martínez substituted him with more than 30 minutes remaining. Ronaldo remains tied with Messi on 10 international hat-tricks each.

No male player has more international hat-tricks than Ronaldo and Messi. In the women’s game, Alex Morgan of the United States leads with 12, followed by Canada’s Christine Sinclair with 11.

How Ronaldo broke the World Cup qualifying record

Ronaldo’s two goals against Armenia tied him with Guatemalan striker Carlos Ruiz at 39 World Cup qualifying goals. He secured the record outright in Budapest, converting a second-half penalty in Portugal’s win against Hungary.

Messi, meanwhile, has scored 36 goals in World Cup qualifying for Argentina, leaving him in third place on the list.

Cristiano’s career of international records

Ronaldo has now scored 141 goals in 223 appearances for Portugal, the highest total in men’s international soccer. He also holds records for most goals in the European Championship finals and the UEFA Champions League.