Ronaldo leaves Messi behind, sets new record in World Cup qualifiers

Although Ronaldo scored twice, Portugal only managed a draw with Hungary, preventing the "European Selecao" from securing an early ticket to the 2026 World Cup taking place in the US, Canada and Mexico next year.

However, Ronaldo set a record as the player with the most goals in World Cup qualifying history with 41 goals in 50 appearances.

Ronaldo bỏ xa Messi, lập kỷ lục mới ở vòng loại World Cup - 1 — Ronaldo celebrates after scoring twice for Portugal in a 2-2 draw with Hungary (Photo: Getty).

Ahead of the match against Hungary, the 40-year-old striker equalled former Guatemalan striker Carlos Ruiz's record of 39 goals, before scoring his latest brace for Portugal.

This achievement also helps him widen the gap with Lionel Messi, who has scored 36 goals in 72 appearances in World Cup qualifiers.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo now has 143 goals in 225 appearances for Portugal, since making his debut at the age of 18 in 2003. He scored his first World Cup qualifying goal in 2004 in a 2-0 win over Latvia.

Ronaldo's World Cup qualifying goals tally is still likely to increase as he continues to enjoy the trust of national team coach Roberto Martinez.

Portugal are five points clear of Hungary and Armenia at the top of the group with just two games remaining, meaning a win over Ireland away or Armenia at home would guarantee Roberto Martinez's side a place in next year's tournament.

This will be Ronaldo's sixth World Cup finals, having first appeared in 2006. CR7 has scored eight goals in 22 appearances at the tournament so far, with Portugal's best finish being fourth place 19 years ago.

Ronaldo and Messi both have the chance to become the first players to appear in six different World Cups. The pair (who have won a combined 13 Ballons d'Or) will be 41 and 39 respectively if they play in the 2026 World Cup.