Cristiano Ronaldo overtook Lionel Messi’s incredible FIFA World Cup record with a brace against Uzbekistan Football News:
NEW DELHI: Cristiano Ronaldo turned back the clock with a stunning performance as Portugal thrashed Uzbekistan 5-0 at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The 41-year-old captain scored twice to help his side register their first win of the tournament after a poor draw against DR Congo.With his brace, Ronaldo created history by becoming the first player to score in six different FIFA World Cups, from 2006 to 2026. He also became Portugal’s leading World Cup scorer with 10 goals, surpassing Eusebio’s nine. The achievement also places him alongside Lionel Messi and Michael Laudrup as players who are both the youngest and oldest World Cup scorers for their country.On another record, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have reached a remarkable statistical symmetrywith the two stars recording an identical 20 years and 6 days gap between their first and last goal in the tournament.Portugal entered the game under pressure after being held 1-1 by DR Congo in their opening game. Against Uzbekistan, however, they were sharper and more confident. With two goals from Ronaldo, Nuno Mendes and Rafael Leao found the net, while an own goal from Uzbekistan goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov completed the rout.The emphatic victory not only revived Portugal’s World Cup campaign but also increased their goal difference ahead of the final group stage. It was an especially important response for Ronaldo, who struggled to make an impact in the opening game.
Ronaldo and Martinez reacted
Despite reaching another historic milestone, Ronaldo insists the team’s success remains his priority.“The team’s performance is very good and many have improved. As the saying goes, every cloud has a silver lining. Obviously, speaking personally, records are always nice but my goal is always to help the national team achieve its objectives,” he said.Portugal coach Roberto Martinez praised his team’s response after a disappointing start.“This is the answer we have in the dressing room. There are times when you need a game like the first to improve in the tournament. Today we see a team with the same attitude and commitment, but with greater maturity because it is no longer the opening game,” said Martinez.For Ronaldo, it was another reminder that even at the age of 41, he remains capable of making football history.
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