Cristiano Ronaldo began his campaign for a sixth FIFA World Cup finals with flair, scoring twice and setting records as Portugal routed Armenia 5-0 in their qualifiers opener Saturday night.
After Joao Felix opened the scoring in the 10th minute, Ronaldo doubled Portugal’s lead in the 21st with his 139th international goal, brushing past his defender to connect with a cross from close range.
With his 140th goal, Ronaldo surpassed Lionel Messi on the all-time FIFA World Cup qualifiers scoring list, reaching 38 goals in 48 appearances compared to Messi’s 36 in 72 matches.
Ronaldo will be firmly in contention to top the charts when the UEFA Nations League winners go up against Hungary later next week and have four other games left in the qualifiers. Only Guatemala’s Carlos Ruiz has scored more goals in WC qualifiers, standing one ahead of Ronaldo with 39 goals in 47 appearances.
