LISBON: Cristiano Ronaldo became the all-time leading scorer in World Cup qualifying after scoring twice as Portugal drew 2-2 with Hungary early this morning.
The 40-year-old striker scored his 40th and 41st goals in the qualifying campaign, surpassing the record set by former Guatemalan striker Carlos Ruiz, who amassed 39 goals between 1998 and 2016.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner equalised for Portugal in the 22nd minute from a pass from Nelson Semedo.
Ronaldo again found the finish before the break after receiving a pass from Nuno Mendes to put Portugal 2-1 ahead in the first half.
However, Hungary came back to equalise in injury time, delaying Portugal’s bid to qualify early for next year’s World Cup finals in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Ronaldo, who is also the record holder for the highest international scorer with 143 goals, is now eyeing his sixth appearance at the World Cup.