LISBON, Portugal, 15 October (H.S.): Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo etched his name further into football history on Wednesday, becoming the all-time leading goal-scorer in World Cup qualifiers with a decisive brace against Hungary.The 40-year-old forward scored his 40th and 41st qualifying goals, surpassing former Guatemalan international Carlos Ruiz, who held the previous record with 39 goals.

The record-breaking performance took place during a crucial qualifier match in Lisbon.The five-time Ballon d'Or winner first found the net in the 22nd minute, expertly finishing a cross from Nelson Semedo to level the score for Portugal. He then gave his team a 2-1 lead just before halftime, converting a well-placed pass from Nuno Mendes.

With this achievement, Ronaldo now sits atop the list of the most prolific scorers in the history of World Cup qualification tournaments.

Top Scorers in World Cup Qualifiers

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) – 41 goals

Carlos Ruiz (Guatemala) – 39 goals

Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 36 goals

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar