Portugal Football: Ronaldo’s Record Chase Continues as National Team Honours Fallen Teammate

Recent Triumph and Emotional Return

Cristiano Ronaldo’s quest to play in a record sixth World Cup began impressively as Portugal routed Armenia 5-0 in their qualifying campaign opener. The match held particular significance as it marked Portugal’s first international fixture since the tragic death of forward Diogo Jota in a July car crash, with both teams observing a moment of silence before kickoff.

Match Highlights and Achievements

The Portuguese squad dominated the match, with Joao Felix opening the scoring after just 10 minutes. Ronaldo struck in both halves. Joao Cancelo added to the scoreline with the team’s third goal, marking his strike with a poignant tribute to Jota by pointing to the skies.

Record-Breaking Ronaldo

Ronaldo’s performance extended his record as the highest scorer in men’s international football to 140 goals, demonstrating his continued motivation to set new benchmarks. The 2026 World Cup would likely be Ronaldo’s last chance at the tournament, where both he and Messi could make history by appearing in their sixth World Cup.

Looking Ahead

Portugal’s World Cup qualifying campaign started later than usual due to their Nations League commitments. Placed in a qualifying group with Hungary, the Republic of Ireland, and Armenia, Roberto Martinez’s side is expected to demonstrate their dominance early. Looking ahead to 2026, the team is scheduled to play a friendly match against the United States at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with another potential exhibition against Belgium in the works.