FIFA World Cup 2026: Ronaldo breaks Messi's record, becomes oldest player to score multi-goal in WC match

Jun 23, 2026

Texas [US], June 24: Cristiano Ronaldo surpassed Lionel Messi's record to become the oldest player to register multi-goal in a FIFA World Cup match, achieving the milestone with a brace during Portugal's 5-0 win over Uzbekistan in their Group K clash of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Tuesday (local time) at Houston Stadium. Ronaldo produced a record-breaking performance with a brace as Portugal registered a commanding 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan. Nuno Mendes and Rafael Leao were also on the scoresheet, while an own goal involving Uzbekistan goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov added to the Fabio Cannavaro men's woes as Roberto Martinez's side secured their first win of the tournament in emphatic fashion. At 41 years and 138 days old, according to ESPN Insights' X handle, Ronaldo became the oldest player in FIFA World Cup history to score more than one goal in a match. He surpassed Lionel Messi's previous record, which was set when the Argentine scored twice against Austria at the age of 38 years and 363 days, on Monday, June 22 (local time). Ronaldo also became the second-oldest player to score at a FIFA World Cup, with former Cameroon striker Roger Milla still holding the record as the oldest scorer at 42 years and 39 days. Notably, Ronaldo also became Portugal's all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history, taking his tally to 10 goals. He moved past legendary forward Eusebio, who has nine World Cup goals, while Pauleta sits third on the list with four goals. At 41 years and 138 days, Ronaldo also became Portugal's oldest goalscorer at a FIFA World Cup, while his goal against Iran in 2006 made him the country's youngest scorer in the tournament at 21. He joins an elite group that includes Michael Laudrup for Denmark and Lionel Messi for Argentina as three players who hold the unique distinction of being both the youngest and oldest scorer for their country at the men's FIFA World Cup, according to OptaJoe's X handle. Notably, the longest gap ever between a player's first and most recent FIFA World Cup goals is shared by Ronaldo and Messi, both at 20 years and 11 days, as per ESPN FC's X handle. Notably, Ronaldo's brace also saw him reach the milestone of becoming the first player to score in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments. Coming to the Portugal vs Uzbekistan match, Portugal produced a dominant all-round performance to defeat Uzbekistan, taking control early with Ronaldo opening the scoring in the 6th minute before Nuno Mendes added a stunning free-kick and Ronaldo struck again to make it 3-0 before half-time. After the break, Uzbekistan rarely threatened, with Portugal continuing to dominate possession and extending their lead in the 60th minute through an own goal following a Joao Felix flick from a Bruno Fernandes corner. Substitute Rafael Leao added a fifth goal late on to complete a comprehensive 5-0 victory. The result came as a strong response from Portugal after they were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their opening group-stage encounter in a performance that put Ronaldo's team under scrutiny. The win earned Portugal three important points and strengthened their position in the group, while also boosting their goal difference ahead of the final group match.

More News

FIFA World Cup 2026: "Take the point, move on," says Kane after England's goalless draw against Ghana

Jun 24, 2026

Reacting after the match, Kane took a positive view of the result and urged his side to focus on the next challenge, while thanking supporters for their backing.

France coach Didier Deschamps (Photo: X/ @FFF)

FIFA World Cup 2026: Coach Deschamps to miss Norway clash, heads to France following mother's demise

Jun 24, 2026

The French Football Federation (FFF) announced that coach Didier Deschamps will not be present for the team's last FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage fixture, against Norway, on June 26 (local time). Deschamps will be returning to France to attend the funeral of his mother, who passed away on Tuesday (local time).

Cristiano Ronaldo (Photo: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)

FIFA World Cup 2026: Records are nice, but goal is to help team, says Ronaldo after Portugal rout Uzbekistan

Jun 24, 2026

England and Ghana players in action during the 2026 World Cup match (Photo: Reuters)

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ghana's defensive masterclass earns goalless draw against England

Jun 23, 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo (Photo: X/ @Cristiano)

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ronaldo breaks Messi's record, becomes oldest player to score multi-goal in WC match

Jun 23, 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026: FIFA President congratulates Ronaldo after historic six-World Cup scoring feat

Jun 23, 2026

"23rd June bringing all kinds of magic": Rohit Sharma highlights Padma Shri honour, links it with India debut coincidence

Jun 23, 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ronaldo says "we are here" after helping Portugal register dominant 5-0 win over Uzbekistan

Jun 23, 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ronaldo's brace stars in Portugal's 5-0 thrashing against Uzbekistan

Jun 23, 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ronaldo surpasses Eusebio's record for most World Cup goals by a Portugal player

Jun 23, 2026