By Nick Said and Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in six World Cups when he fired Portugal into an early lead against Uzbekistan in their Group K clash in Houston on Tuesday.
Ronaldo, who had not netted in his previous 10 games at major finals, converted from six yards after Joao Cancelo’s cross from the right.
It was his 144th international goal in his 230th appearance, both of which are records in men’s internationals.
Ronaldo made his World Cup debut in 2006 and has netted in every finals since. His goal against Uzbekistan also equalled Eusebio’s record of nine goals at the global finals for Portugal.
Ronaldo and Argentina captain Lionel Messi became the only men in history to play in six World Cup tournaments this year. Ronaldo also netted goals in 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022.
While he shares the record for most tournaments with Messi, he stands alone in scoring a goal in each edition after Messi failed to score a goal at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Ronaldo’s goals on Tuesday gave him 10 career goals in the tournament. Messi has 18 after a hat trick in Argentina’s opener against Algeria and two more goals Monday against Austria that made him the all-time leading scorer in tournament history.