Cristiano Ronaldo, a Manchester United great, created further history on Thursday night in Lisbon, when Portugal defeated Liechtenstein 4-0.
Ronaldo netted a brace in Portugal’s first game under new manager Roberto Martinez, kicking off the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign in style.
Bayern Munich’s Joao Cancelo and former Manchester City teammate Bernardo Silva both scored.
Ronaldo captained Portugal against Liechtenstein after joining Saudi club Al-Nassr in January. It was his 197th senior match for his country, making him the most capped player in men’s international football history. But that wasn’t his only accomplishment on Thursday night.
With his spectacular brace in Lisbon, Ronaldo also became the first player to achieve 100 competitive international goals. The veteran’s first strike was a penalty, followed by a vicious free kick. It served as a reminder of what he still has to give on the international stage.
With his goals, Ronaldo has now scored in 20 straight years for Portugal. His first goal came in a 2-1 defeat to Greece in the group stages of Euro 2004 on home soil in June 2004. They also notoriously lost the final to Greece.
Ronaldo has scored a lot of goals since then. He has 120 goals for Portugal, making him the all-time best scorer in men’s international football. Ali Daei of Iran is second on the record with 109 goals, while Argentina’s long-term adversary Lionel Messi has 98.
Ronaldo also became the first player to score 100 competitive international goals with his brilliant brace in Lisbon. The veteran’s first strike was a penalty, while his second was a ferocious free kick. It was a reminder of what he still has to offer at international level.
“Being the most capped player in history – I have to confess that it is something that leaves me quite proud. In addition to being the best scorer ever for the national teams, I would also like to be the most international capped player. But not only tomorrow, I would like to have a lot of matches in the future.”
Former Swansea, Wigan and Everton manager Martinez was appointed by Portugal in January following a six-year spell in charge of Belgium. Martinez was asked whether Ronaldo was part of his long-term plans, as the veteran turned 38 last month.
“Cristiano is a player who is completely committed to the national team,” said Martinez when asked about Ronaldo’s future. “I don’t look at age or other aspects. He has the chance to help the team and pass on his experience to other players.”