Cristiano Ronaldo scores twice in a 5-0 World Cup qualifying win in Armenia as Portugal remember Diogo Jota.Published On 6 Sep 20256 Sep 2025Cristiano Ronaldo’s quest to play in a record sixth World Cup has begun in typical fashion with two goals as Portugal made a winning start to its qualifying campaign by routing Armenia 5-0.The match on Saturday marked a poignant day for the Portuguese as it was their first international fixture since the death of their forward Diogo Jota in a car crash in July along with his brother Andre Silva.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of listThe stadium fell quiet as both teams observed a moment of silence before kickoff.Ronaldo’s goals extended his record as the highest scorer in men’s international football to 140 and underlined his enduring motivation to keep setting more benchmarks before his storied career comes to an end.The 40-year-old football great has recently signed a new contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr and led Portugal to victory at the UEFA Nations League in June. The players and officials stand for a minute of silence in tribute to Portugal’s Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva before the match [Hayk Baghdasaryan/Reuters]The World Cup is the one major trophy that eludes him – leaving him behind his great rival Lionel Messi, who lifted football’s biggest prize with Argentina in 2022.Next year would likely be Ronaldo’s last chance to win it when the tournament is staged in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Like him, Messi would also be playing at a sixth World Cup, setting the pair apart from any other players with a host of names having appeared in five.Ronaldo – a five-time Champions League winner, who also lifted the Europea …
