Ronaldo already held the record for most international appearances when he surpassed Kuwait’s Bader Al-Mutawa’s, who held the record of 196 matches, during Portugal's Euro 2024 qualifier against Liechtenstein in March.
Portugal struggled to break the deadlock against Iceland but stepped up the pressure after Willum Thor Willumsson was sent off for a second yellow card after a rough tackle on substitute Goncalo Inacio in the 81st minute.
Ronaldo had to wait two minutes to celebrate the winner as the referee first ruled out his close-range strike in the 89th minute for offside, but the goal was given after the VAR replay showed he was fractionally onside.
It was Ronaldo's 123rd goal for Portugal, extending his record as the all-time leading international goalscorer.
The result left Portugal top with 12 points, two ahead of second-placed Slovakia, who won 1-0 away to Liechtenstein earlier on Tuesday.
Portugal started more aggressively but Iceland slowly took control and had two great chances to lead in the first half through defender Victor Palsson and full-back Hordur Magnusson.
But Portugal responded after the break and gradually got into the game, with Ronaldo's goal securing the points.
Messi to make Inter Miami debut next month
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Argentina's Lionel Messi reacts - Friendly - Argentina v Australia - Workers' Stadium, Beijing, China - June 15, 2023. (Photo: Reuters) |
Lionel Messi is set to play his first game for Inter Miami on July 21 when the Major League Soccer side host Mexico's Cruz Azul in their Leagues Cup opener, managing owner Jorge Mas told the Miami Herald newspaper on Tuesday.
Messi and Miami have agreed terms on a deal and are finalising paperwork and visas after the Argentine great's announcement this month of his intention to join the club.
The 35-year-old will sign a two-and-a-half year deal worth US$50 million to US$60 million per year with an option to extend until 2026, according to the Miami Herald.
"Absolutely no changes in the roster rules. There are no categories or anything that is being changed to incorporate Lionel Messi onto Inter Miami’s roster," Mas added.
Having the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner on board promises to be a big boost for soccer in the United States, where its popularity trails the other four major North American men's professional leagues.
Mas defined Messi's arrival as "the seminal moment" in the history of US soccer as MLS aspires to be one of the best leagues in the world.
"I think there will always be a before and after Messi when we talk about the sport in the United States," Mas said.
"I have very strong-held belief that we can create in North America and the United States if not the greatest league, one of the top two leagues in the world.
"Lionel Messi is coming to this country to win cups and make a difference. I think it's incumbent upon myself and my partners in the league, the other owners, to seize the moment."
News of Messi joining Miami had its first effects in a matter of hours, sending ticket prices soaring 1,034 per cent and increasing the number of followers on the team's Instagram account from one to eight million.
Miami are currently bottom of the Eastern Conference standings - seven points from ninth place, the final spot which would give them a chance of qualifying for the playoffs.
The Leagues Cup is an annual competition between MLS and Mexico's Liga MX clubs.
