Cristiano Ronaldo has battled Lionel Messi to become football's greatest player for most of his career, with the pair going on to set international records
Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first player to make 200 appearances for the international men's soccer team, although he is still far behind Lionel Messi in breaking international records.
Ronaldo captained Portugal's team against Iceland in a Euro 2024 qualifier at Laugardalsvöllur, the Nordic nation's national stadium. In doing so, he broke the 200-cap mark for A Selecao, following his debut in August 2003.
The former Manchester United star has become the most capped player for the men's national team in the world, surpassing Bader Al-Mutawa of Kuwait in March. Ronaldo has earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for his latest achievement. Al-Mutawa is four games away from matching Ronaldo's feat, despite last playing for Kuwait last June. Ronaldo's first match came 19 years ago when he came on as a substitute in a friendly against Kazakhstan, which ended with a 1-0 win.
The veteran striker has now taken on the role of former politician for Portugal as they seek to qualify for Euro 2024. And he insists he will continue to play for the national team in the years to come.
"I feel like I continue to be a great asset, not only on the pitch but also in real life. I want to continue because I feel like I have a lot to give. And it's living in the moment, it's very active. The future only God knows. I want to continue," he said.
"It's hard to name a game, I think there were a lot of great moments that I had... I can't name one. It's always easiest when you win, final, European Championship, National League. But there are a lot of good times.
YES SAY YOUR SAY! Who is the best player of all time? Comment below. Ronaldo is behind Lionel Messi in the number of international record-breaking times
Ronaldo is behind Lionel Messi in the number of international record-breaking times
"That's why I'd say the most important game is the next one. But I don't overlook the beautiful moments we've had with the Select. I'll be the first in history. won 200 games, I'm very proud of that." It's something I never thought of.
"Since the first day I competed internationally, I have always dreamed of playing for the national team. I will stay here until I feel I have to, me, the president and the coach. I will never give up coming here, because it has always been a dream. Two hundred games show my love for the country."
Reaching 200 caps is the latest international record that Ronaldo has broken. He is also the top scorer in the history of international men's football, the first player to score in five World Cups, the first player to score 10 international hat-tricks, the top scorer and creator of appearances in the European Championship and World Cup. Most caps for Portugal captain. .
Despite this long list, he is still far behind Messi in the number of record-breaking times at the international level. The Argentine superstar is widely regarded as the greatest player of all time and has a list of records to back up that claim. This includes being the only player to win the Ballon d'Or in two different World Cups, the most World Cup appearances in men's football history, the most goals scored at the World Cup, the most.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0