Another day, another record for Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. The Manchester United forward continues to dominate the game even at the age of 36, scoring a hat-trick in Portugal’s 5-0 win over Luxembourg on Tuesday as Fernando Santos’ side continued their impressive run in the UEFA World Cup qualifiers. 

The hat-trick was the tenth Ronaldo scored in Portugal colours, the most by any player in the history of men’s international football. It was also the 58th treble he has scored in his illustrous career. 

Iran’s Ali Daei, who was previously the all-time leading scorer in international football, has eight hat-tricks while Argentina talisman Lionel Messi has seven, according to Goal.com. 

The three goals at the Estadio Algarve made Luxembourg his favourite opponents in international football, having now scored nine times against them. It also took his all-time record tally of international goals to 115 from 182 games. 

The feat added yet another feather to his cap. The former Real Madrid forward holds a number of records in international football, including most opponents scored against (45), most goals in a calendar year (32), most capped European international (182) and others. 

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Meanwhile, Ronaldo scored two first-half penalties in the space of five minutes to give Portugal a comfortable cushion against Luxembourg. He hit the post minutes later but Bruno Fernandes added a third after good work from Bernardo Silva to triple Portugal’s advantage before the break.

Ronaldo could have sealed his hattrick with a spectacular bicycle kick around the hour-mark, but his effort was saved by Luxembourg keeper Anthony Moris. João Palhinha scored Portugal’s fourth just minutes later.

However, Ronaldo would not be denied his 10th international hat-trick, scoring a header in the 87th minute after being picked out with a brilliant cross from Ruben Neves from the left. 

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The win was Portugal’s fifth from six games in the ongoing qualification campaign. Portugal is second in Group A with 16 points, one behind Serbia – who have played one game more than the 2016 European champions.

Serbia defeated Azerbaijan, with a brace from Dusan Valhovic and a Dusan Tadic goal helping maintain their lead at the top of the table. 

Serbia’s final qualification game is against Portugal on November 14. Portugal will also play Ireland two days before that decisive clash.