Cristiano Ronaldo targets more international glory

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to face European football minnows Luxembourg in a Euro 2024 qualifier, a team that has been on the receiving end of his ruthless finishing more than any other opponent. With 7.5% of his 120 international goals scored against Luxembourg, it’s clear Ronaldo will be anticipating Sunday’s match with relish.

This game could offer Ronaldo a last chance to add to his incredible list of records and achievements. At 38, he is at the stage of his career where every appearance can extend his impressive milestones. Despite the unexpected ending to his club career after Manchester United canceled his contract by mutual consent, and his 2022 World Cup exit with Portugal, Ronaldo remains a vital player for his country.

Although many believed his move to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia would signal the twilight phase of his career, Ronaldo could be on the brink of making football history. Currently, he is in line to become the first footballer to make 200 international appearances. New Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has been wise to include Ronaldo in his squad, but he is not short of attacking options, so Ronaldo’s place in the starting lineup may be threatened. Rafael Leao, Joao Felix, Diogo Jota and Goncalo Ramos are all at his disposal, but Ronaldo led the forward line, scored twice, and captained the team in the 4-0 win against Liechtenstein, where he became the most-capped men’s player of all time on 197.

If Ronaldo remains fit and is selected, he will break the 200-game mark in the Euro 2024 qualifier against Iceland in Reykjavik on June 20. Whether he can play on until the Euro 2024 finals in Germany remains to be seen, but with his exceptional career, there’s no reason why he can’t.

Ronaldo has made numerous sacrifices to enjoy an impressive career spanning two decades. His time in Saudi Arabia may have helped conserve his energy and extend his career. If he can keep scoring and make it impossible for his old rival, Lionel Messi, to catch him, it could be the final achievement of Ronaldo’s career, and one that will give him immense satisfaction.

Overall, Ronaldo has scored 120 goals in 197 appearances for Portugal. Every game he plays sets a new international record, and every goal counts, considering Messi has now scored 99 for Argentina. Ronaldo’s commitments with the national team could mean he will face not only Luxembourg again, but also Liechtenstein, Slovakia, Iceland, and Bosnia & Herzegovina.

So the game against Luxembourg will be critical in Ronaldo’s quest to add more international glory to his long list of achievements.