Ronaldo beats Messi to World Cup record to help Portugal defeat Hungary

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a penalty in the 58th minute of Portugal’s World Cup qualifier victory over Hungary to become the joint-most top scorer in the history of World Cup qualifiers.  

Ronaldo scored the second of Portugal's three goals in the 3-2 victory Magnificent Magyars from 12 yards. The goal was his 39th in World Cup qualifiers, which took him level with Guatemala’s Carlos Ruiz. Lionel Messi is third on the list with 36 goals. 

Portugal began the match on the front foot, buoyed by their 5-0 trouncing of Armenia. However, they struggled to capitalise on their early chances, and Hungary seized the opportunity to take the lead. 

A beautifully weighted cross from Zsolt Nagy found Barnabas Varga, who headed the ball past  Diogo Costa to give Hungary the lead and send the Ferenc Puskas Stadium going wild.  

Portugal pressed for an equaliser but were wasteful in front of goal. Fortune finally smiled on the visitors just before halftime, as Joao Cancelo's deflected shot fell to Bernardo Silva, who slotted home from close range. 

Portugal were on the ascendancy after the break, and they deservedly took the lead in the 58th minute. A contentious penalty decision was awarded against Loic Négo, which Ronaldo converted with ease, equalling Ruiz’s record for most goals in World Cup qualifiers. 

Hungary responded magnificently, levelling the score when Négo's cross rebounded awkwardly and Varga nodded home his second goal. However, their joy was short-lived, as Portugal struck back with Bernardo Silva setting up Cancelo to score the winner.