Ronaldo has featured at all of those so far except the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea. He has made 22 appearances for Portugal at World Cups, putting him fifth on the all-time list behind, Italy’s Paulo Maldini (23), Germany’s Miroslav Klose (24), Lothar Matthaus (25) and Messi (26).

Cristiano Ronaldo has sent a message of support to his Portugal team-mates ahead of their meeting with Armenia. The Selecao currently top Group F ahead of the final round of World Cup qualification games but defeat to Ireland on Thursday means they need to win to book their trip stateside next summer.

Cristiano Ronaldo missed both through suspension. Two years on from a 9–0 thumping of Luxembourg, Portugal clinched their spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday with a 9–1 evisceration of Armenia while Ronaldo missed the clash through suspension.

Amid the possibility that the Ireland dismissal could see him miss the 2026 World Cup opener, the 40-year-old veteran set one unwanted record in the process.

Portugal certainly will not have drawn up the finish to their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign quite like this, entering the final match day against Armenia still needing to wrap up a spot at next summer's big dance.