Cristiano Ronaldo surpasses Messi to equal World Cup qualifying record in Portugal’s 3-2 win over Hungary
Cristiano Ronaldo scored again for Portugal this Tuesday (09/09), in the 3-2 victory against Hungary, and became the joint top scorer in the history of World Cup Qualifiers. The Portuguese star now has 39 goals, surpassing Lionel Messi’s tally and equaling Guatemala’s Carlos Ruiz.
Decisive goal in Budapest
In a hard-fought game in Budapest, Ronaldo scored Portugal’s second goal from the penalty spot. The clash was decided late, with João Cancelo netting the winner in the 86th minute to secure the three points for Roberto Martínez’s side.
Record-breaking night
With the goal, Cristiano Ronaldo reached 39 goals in 49 World Cup Qualifying matches, matching Ruiz’s record (39 in 47 games). Lionel Messi, now overtaken, sits third with 36 goals in 72 appearances for Argentina.
Other legends complete the list:
- Ali Daei (Iran): 35 goals in 47 games
- Robert Lewandowski (Poland): 31 goals in 39 games
Race to 1000 career goals
The strike against Hungary also pushed Ronaldo’s career tally to 943 official goals. He now needs 57 more to reach the historic 1,000-goal milestone, something no footballer has ever achieved.
Next commitments
Ronaldo will return to Saudi Arabia to play for Al-Nassr on September 14, in a Saudi Pro League clash against Al-Kholood. For Portugal, the next World Cup Qualifier will be crucial to secure top spot in Group F.
