2 weeks ago
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Lionel Messi third
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Cristiano Ronaldo has entered the twilight years of his incredible career but the 40-year-old continues to collect records. Last night, Portugal suffered a disappointing result after being held 2-2 by Hungary in Lisbon after Dominic Szoboszlai scored a dramatic late equaliser. But Ronaldo remained the biggest story of the night as he scored a brace to record his 143rd goal for his country on his 225th international appearance.
It was Ronaldo’s 40th and 41st goals in World Cup qualifying which moved him to the record goalscorer in the format. Ronaldo plans on prolonging his career for a few more years and winning the World Cup next summer remains his ultimate dream. Speaking recently about his future, Ronaldo said: “I want to keep playing for a few more years, not many, I have to be honest. I’m still producing good things, helping my club and the national team. Why not continue?” The Manchester United and Real Madrid icon broke the record for goals in World Cup qualifiers but which other players make the top ten list.
Record goalscorers in World Cup qualifying
Ronaldo’s first goal for Portugal against Hungary secured him the record, before Roberto Martinez’s captain added his 41st goal in his 51st World Cup qualifier. Carlos Ruiz previously held the record for the striker, nicknamed ‘the little fish’ scoring 39 goals in 47 World Cup qualifiers for Guatemala. Ronaldo’s greatest rivalry in football Lionel Messi ranks third with the legendary Barcelona netting 36 times in 72 qualifiers for Argentina.
As the graphic illustrates, some famous faces feature in the top ten list including Robert Lewandowski. The 37-year-old is unquestionably Poland’s greatest ever player and he’s netted 33 goals in 42 World Cup qualifiers. Every player in the top ten list is an attacker, except former Iran international Karim Bagheri, who was a defensive midfielder. His record in World Cup qualifiers was phenomenal and he scored seven goals in one game against the Maldives.
