At 40 years of age, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to defy the logic of time, type, and expectation. In Lisbon, on an evening the place Portugal have been simply minutes away from sealing qualification for the 2026 World Cup, Ronaldo as soon as once more rewrote soccer historical past — scoring twice in a dramatic 2-2 draw towards Hungary to set yet one more world milestone. What got here subsequent was a strong 10-word message from the Portuguese legend, one which captured his satisfaction, persistence, and sense of function.
On the Jose Alvalade Stadium, the night started in shock as Hungary’s Attila Szalai opened the scoring early. However as so many instances earlier than, Ronaldo responded. Within the twenty second minute, he met Nelson Semedo’s cross and struck from shut vary to equalize. Then, simply earlier than half-time, he delivered once more — volleying in an excellent end from Nuno Mendes’ cross to provide Portugal the lead and safe yet one more document in his glittering profession.
That first objective marked his fortieth in World Cup Qualifiers, surpassing Guatemalan legend Carlos Ruiz’s tally of 39. The second prolonged it to 41 objectives in 50 qualifying matches, a document which will by no means be touched.
Regardless of Ronaldo’s heroics, Portugal couldn’t maintain on. Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai struck in stoppage time to disclaim the hosts the victory they wanted to e-book their place in subsequent 12 months’s finals.
see additionally
Cristiano Ronaldo breaks all-time document to turn out to be historical past’s high objective scorer in World Cup qualifiers
What Ronaldo mentioned and what it means
Shortly after the ultimate whistle, Ronaldo turned to social media to share his feelings. The Al-Nassr striker, who now boasts 143 objectives in 225 appearances for his nation, delivered a passionate 10-word assertion that resonated with followers worldwide.
“It’s no secret that representing the Nationwide Staff means quite a bit to me, and that’s the reason I’m very proud to have reached this distinctive milestone for Portugal,” Ronaldo wrote on social media, earlier than thanking his teammates and supporters. “Thanks to everybody who helped me get right here. See you in November to seal the qualification for the World Cup!”
His message — “I’m very proud to have reached this distinctive milestone” — encapsulated not solely his humility but in addition his relentless pursuit of excellence. In actual fact, the veteran’s brace additionally took his profession objective tally to 948, conserving alive his private mission to achieve 1,000 profession objectives earlier than hanging up his boots. The Portuguese ahead, who has scored in 5 of six World Cup qualifying campaigns, stays the game’s all-time main scorer throughout each membership and nation.
