40-year-old Ronaldo scored twice and became a god!

Portugal was defeated by Hungary 2-2 at home in the World Cup preliminaries, which became the stage for Ronaldo to write a legend. The 40-year-old used two precise goals to set the number of goals in the World Cup preliminaries at 41, surpassing Carlos Ruiz's 39 goals to occupy the top spot in history. However, the team's goal conceded at the last moment added a regretful undertone to this record night - this interweaving of personal glory and team twists and turns is the most touching aspect of football.

Two goals in 30 minutes to become a god! The "shooter instinct" behind the 41-goal record

The first 30 minutes of this game were completely Ronaldo's "record coronation show." In a passive situation where Portugal was trailing 0-1, he carried the team with a textbook performance: in the 23rd minute, Semedo's low pass just passed the defense line. Cristiano Ronaldo had accurately inserted into the gap between the two defenders and pushed the ball into the goal. He raised the number of goals scored in the world preliminaries to 40, tied with Ruiz for the first place in history. Just 12 minutes later, Mendes made a pass from the left, and he cleverly ran out of space at the back point and scored twice with a light shot. A new record of 41 goals was born.

FIFA President Infantino immediately posted a photo with Ronaldo to congratulate him: "This truly great player has once again achieved an extraordinary record." Needless to say, the gold content of this honor: he scored 41 goals in 50 World Cup preliminaries, and his average efficiency of 0.82 goals per game far exceeded Ruiz's 39 goals/112 games. He also set a new goal limit for senior players at the age of 40. The full score of 9.1, the efficiency of scoring two goals with 3 of 7 shots on target, and a passing success rate of 88.2% all prove that he is still Portugal's most reliable core.

Leadership in the shadow of Jue Ping: "We are getting closer and closer to the goal"

When everyone thought that Ronaldo's double kick would seal the victory for Portugal, the drama of football was staged in stoppage time. Szoboszlai's equalizing goal silenced the home fans, and Portugal also missed the opportunity to advance to the World Cup. But in this transition from heaven to earth, Cristiano Ronaldo's reaction showed his true qualities as a leader.

After the game, he did not dwell on regrets. Instead, he posted an encouraging message on social platforms: "We are getting closer and closer to the goal! Come on, Portugal!" This positive attitude in adversity echoed his performance on the field - even when the team was still leading when he was replaced in the 78th minute, he continued to direct his teammates to defend before leaving the field. Some fans left a message and ridiculed: "3 points become 1 point, but Ronaldo's fighting spirit is worth 10 points." This is the best explanation of this responsibility.

Record locks the battle for the top scorer in the Melo World preliminaries? In the future, only two people can challenge

Cristiano Ronaldo's 41 goals not only refreshed history, but may also completely end the "Mello Controversy" in the World Cup preliminaries. Although Messi, who is closest to him among active players, has 36 goals, the current World Cup preliminaries in South America have ended, and the next one will have to wait until two years later. The 38-year-old Messi has previously made it clear that he is "unlikely to participate in the next World Cup." This means that the goal difference between the two in the World Cup preliminaries will most likely be fixed at 5 goals, and Ronaldo has already sealed the victory on this track.

As for future challengers, only Mbappe and Harland have potential. Mbappe, who scored 14 goals in 13 games, and Haaland, who scored 17 goals in 12 games, are astonishingly efficient. However, Ronaldo's 41 goals that took him 18 years to accumulate are still a huge test for the younger generation. Many fans bluntly said: "Unless they can maintain their peak for 20 years like Cristiano Ronaldo, this record will lie there for a long time."

From falling behind to overtaking, from being a god to a regret, this 2-2 draw condensed all the charm of football. The 40-year-old Ronaldo used two goals to prove that "legends never fade", and the cry of "getting closer to the goal" made people full of expectations for Portugal's World Cup journey. As Infantino said, this great player can always continue to write extraordinary amidst doubts.