Cristiano Ronaldo has made football history by becoming only the second player ever to start 25 FIFA World Cup matches.
The Portugal captain reached the milestone during his country’s Round of 16 clash against Spain on Monday. However, the historic achievement came in a disappointing result as Portugal lost 1-0, with Mikel Merino scoring the late winner to send Spain into the quarter-finals.
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The defeat brought an end to Portugal’s World Cup campaign, with Ronaldo unable to inspire his side to another victory.
According to football statistics platform Opta, Ronaldo is now the second player in World Cup history to make at least 25 starts at the tournament. Only Argentina captain Lionel Messi has started more matches, holding the record with 27 World Cup starts.
Despite Portugal’s exit, the milestone further cements Ronaldo’s place among the greatest players in football history, adding another remarkable achievement to his legendary international career.
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