Cristiano Ronaldo Extends Record Lead Over Lionel Messi With Historic Goal In Portugal

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In a thrilling encounter on September 9, 2025, Cristiano Ronaldo set a new record in his storied career as Portugal overcame Hungary 3–2 in a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying match held in Budapest. It was a highly crucial clash that witnessed Ronaldo consolidate his dominance of the qualifying goals table.

The game was finely balanced throughout. Hungary opened up an early advantage in the 21st minute as Barnabas Varga jumped to direct a superb cross from Zsolt Nagy, heading the home side into the lead.

Portugal replied in measured style, with Bernardo Silva equalizing just 15 minutes after coming on, hitting a clinical finish from six yards. The moment that correctly entered the annals of history was in the 58th minute. Ronaldo was taken down in the box by Loic Nego's handball, winning a penalty.|

Ronaldo’s Record Goal Secures Portugal’s Dramatic Victory

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The 40-year-old veteran calmly sent the spot-kick into the bottom corner, his 39th World Cup qualifier goal and a 141st international goal in 223 games.

That strike also put him on par with Guatemala's Carlos Ruiz as the joint-leading scorer in World Cup qualifying history - and three ahead of Argentina's Lionel Messi, who is on 36 for the same competition.

Hungary wasn't finished yet. Varga had one more header, this time in the 84th minute, to bring the game level. Portugal's answer was definitive, however: João Cancelo put a venomous shot from the edge of the box just two minutes after Varga's equaliser, guaranteeing a thrilling 3–2 win and cementing their hold at the top of Group F.

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This leaves Portugal in great form in the group, on six points from two away games. Armenia, who beat Ireland in the early stages of the campaign, are second on three points, while Hungary and Ireland have a point each.

Looking back on the competition, Bernardo Silva emphasized Portugal's strength when under pressure, citing the national team's capacity to recover from adversity, citing instances of similar recoveries in recent UEFA Nations League matches against Germany and Spain.

Can Ronaldo Maintain Edge Over Lionel Messi Now?

Ronaldo's penalty added another chapter to the legendary career built on longevity and consistency. At 40 years old, he is still a quintessential international figure. His latest total puts him in rarefied air - not just one of his country's all-time top scorers but as a standout among worldwide qualifying campaigns.

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Although his quest for 1,000 career ambitions is ongoing, this milestone marks a lasting competition with Lionel Messi - not only as contemporaries, but as record-breakers. Ronaldo's three-goal lead in World Cup qualifying reflects his advantage in one of their many continuing head-to-head comparisons.

Aside from individual history, the achievement also fuels Portugal's bid to qualify for the World Cup, demonstrating both individual genius and team tenacity. The drive towards the 2026 World Cup finals becomes more urgent with the group stage still unfolding and Ronaldo back to form.