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Portugal captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, is now the second player in history to start 25 World Cup matches.
Ronaldo achieved this feat after starting in Portugal’s World Cup Round of 16 defeat against Spain on Monday night.
The 41-year-old was unable to help Portugal beat Spain as they lost 1-0 following Mikel Merino’s late goal.
The outcome of the encounter ensured Ronaldo and Portugal teammates exited the tournament.
However, according to OptaJoe, Ronaldo is now the second footballer in history to start at least 25 World Cup matches.
The only player still ahead of the Al-Nassr forward is long-time rival Lionel Messi, who has managed two more than him in the same number of campaigns.
Ronaldo is behind the Argentina captain Lwho has started 27 World Cup matches.
World Cup 2026: Ronaldo now second player to start 25 matches in history
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