Cristiano Ronaldo added another remarkable chapter to his illustrious career on Tuesday, becoming the first footballer to score in six different FIFA World Cups as Portugal cruised to a 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan in their Group K encounter.

The achievement came just a day after Argentina captain Lionel Messi became the World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer, with Ronaldo responding in style to help keep Portugal’s campaign firmly on course.

The Portuguese captain wasted little time making his mark, opening the scoring in the sixth minute when he met a precise cross from João Cancelo and guided the ball past the goalkeeper to give his side an early advantage.

The goal marked Ronaldo’s ninth in World Cup competition since his debut at the tournament in Germany in 2006. It was also his 144th international goal for Portugal.

At 41, Ronaldo became the second-oldest player ever to score at a World Cup, behind Cameroon legend Roger Milla, who scored at the age of 42 during the 1994 tournament in the United States.

Although still behind Messi’s World Cup tally of 18 goals, Ronaldo boosted his own record later in the first half when he scored again in the 39th minute.

His second goal came shortly after Nuno Mendes had doubled Portugal’s lead through a well-executed free-kick routine, as Roberto Martinez’s side dominated proceedings before the interval.

Portugal maintained their control after halftime, with an own goal further increasing their advantage before substitute Rafael Leão added a fifth goal to complete the emphatic victory.

The win handed Portugal their first victory of the tournament after opening their campaign with a draw against DR Congo.

Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, continues his pursuit of the one major trophy that has eluded him throughout his career — the FIFA World Cup.

Having already captained Portugal to UEFA European Championship glory in 2016, the veteran forward will be hoping this tournament finally delivers football’s most coveted prize.

His World Cup journey began in 2006 when he scored once in six appearances as Portugal reached the semi-finals before eventually finishing fourth.

The Portuguese star had already made history at the Qatar 2022 World Cup by becoming the first player to score in five different World Cup editions after converting a penalty in Portugal’s opening match against Ghana.

Before Tuesday’s fixture, however, questions had surfaced regarding his role in the national team, with critics highlighting a run of 10 major tournament matches without a goal and raising concerns about his reduced influence in attacking play.

Yet Ronaldo once again answered those doubts on football’s biggest stage.

When Portugal needed leadership and inspiration, their captain delivered a record-breaking display, proving that even at 41 years old, he remains capable of producing decisive moments at the highest level of the game.