FARO, Portugal (AP): Cristiano Ronaldo became the highest-scoring man in the international soccer history with his 110th goal for Portugal on Wednesday.
The Portugal captain scored in the 89th minute against Ireland in a World Cup qualifier, moving ahead of former Iranian striker Ali Daei. He added a second - another header - minutes later in the 2-1 victory. Earlier in the game, he had a penalty saved in the 15th minute.
"I'm very happy, not only because I beat the record but for the special moments that we had," Ronaldo said. "Two goals at the end of the game is so tough, but I have to appreciate what the team did. We believed until the end."
The 36-year-old Ronaldo, who finalized his return to Manchester United on Tuesday after leaving Juventus, was playing in his 180th game for Portugal. The forward made his debut for the national team in 2003 and began his historic scoring run at the 2004 European Championship in a 2-1 loss to Greece in the group stage.
The only two men to net more than 100 times for their countries are Ronaldo and Daei, who scored 109 goals in 149 games for Iran from 1993-2006 and played for German clubs Bayern Munich and Hertha Berlin. The most prolific scorer in international soccer is 38-year-old Christine Sinclair of Canada, who scored her 187th goal at the Tokyo Olympics where she won gold last month.
Ronaldo, whose only title with Portugal came at Euro 2016, was top scorer at this year's European Championship with five goals in four games but his team's title defense ended in the round of 16.
Ronaldo became the first player to score in five different editions of the continental tournament, taking his haul to 11 to overtake Michel Platini's record of nine goals at Euros.
Ronaldo is also the top scorer in the history of the Champions League with 134 goals - 14 more than Lionel Messi, according to UEFA.
The 36-year-old spoke of his pride after his latest milestone.
"From all the records that I have broken during my career -- and fortunately there have been a few -- this one is very special for me and it's certainly on the shelf of the achievements that make me truly proud," Ronaldo said in a post on Instagram.
"Scoring 111 goals for Portugal means 111 moments like the ones we experienced today in Algarve, moments of worldwide union and happiness for millions and millions of Portuguese citizens all around the globe. For them, every sacrifice is worth it."
Ronaldo became the first player to feature in five European Championships at this year's Euro 2020, winning the Golden Boot.
And he could equal the record of playing at five World Cups should Portugal make it to Qatar next year.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner, who secured a return to United from Juventus this week, hinted he has no intention of retiring from international football in the near future.
"Thank you Portugal. Thanks to all my teammates and opponents for making this journey so unforgettable," he added. "Let's keep meeting inside the pitch in the years to come! I'm not closing the count just yet."
Portugal face Qatar in a friendly on Saturday before travelling to Azerbaijan on September 7.
Thanks to Ronaldo's rescue act in the Algarve, Fernando Santos's men top Group A of European qualifying, three points clear of Serbia, who have a game in hand.
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