At 40 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to defy time and rivals alike. In Portugal’s commanding 5–0 win over Armenia, he scored two goals—including a jaw-dropping long-range strike—that secured his passage past Lionel Messi in the World Cup qualifiers’ all-time scoring charts.
Now with 38 goals, Ronaldo now stands ahead of Messi’s total of 36, pushing closer to the record held by Guatemala’s Carlos Ruiz (39). His brace brought his overall international tally to 139 or 140 goals, reinforcing his status as football’s forever GOAT.
What Makes It Special
- The first goal was a clinical tap-in—sharp, efficient, and emblematic of Ronaldo’s striker instincts.
- The second, a thunderous half-volley from outside the penalty box, was pure vintage brilliance—one of those “still got it” moments that remind fans why he’s a legend.
Strikingly, this World Cup qualifier was Portugal’s first match since the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother. Ronaldo’s goal arriving just after the 20th minute—the same shirt number Jota wore—was widely seen by teammates and fans as a powerful and emotional tribute.
