Cristiano Ronaldo SCORES Late Winner In RECORD 200TH GAME For Portugal And HONOURED By Guinness World Records.

Cristiano Ronaldo becomes the first men's football player to make 200 appearances in men's international football.

Ronaldo has been handed a spot in the Guinness World Record Books for his latest achievement, as he captained Portugal in their Euro 2024 qualifier against Iceland at Laugardalsvöllur, the Nordic country's national stadium on Tuesday night.

In doing so, he broke the 200 cap barrier for A Selecao, and he is still a regular in the team despite leaving Europe for Saudi Arabia after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

He was honoured as he received a certificate handed by the Guinness World Record just before the kick-off of the game. 

As usual, Ronaldo didn't disappoint as he celebrated the milestone and historic night, scoring the only goal of the game with a last-minute winner against Iceland, who played with 10 men after Willum Willumsson was sent off with 10 minutes to go.

He turned home Goncalo Inacio's header from close range, which keeps Roberto Martinez's side on track for Euro 2024 qualification with its fourth win from four games in Group J.

The goal was initially ruled out for an Inacio offside but was awarded by the video assistant referee.

That was Ronaldo's 123rd international goal, extending his world record.

Marking his 200th cap, the Portugal team’s official Twitter account featured the message: “How it started. How it’s going”, above a picture of a young Ronaldo playing in an early appearance for Portugal alongside a photo of a jubilant Ronaldo during Tuesday’s game.

ℂℝ𝟚𝟘𝟘
How it started How it's going pic.twitter.com/0HmbLZusZO

— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) June 20, 2023

He made his debut for his country back in August 2003, that's 20 years ago when he came on as a substitute against Kazakhstan in a friendly, which ended in a 1-0 win.

The former Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus star had already become the world's most-capped men's international footballer, overtaking Kuwait's forward Bader Al-Mutawa 196-cap record back in March. 

The 38-year-old and five-time Ballon d'Or winner, is also the leading goalscorer in men’s international football history with 123 goals, he is the first man to score in five different World Cups, the first man to score 10 international hat-tricks, and the most caps as Portugal's captain.

The Al Nassr forward is also the only man in history to have played in five different European Championship tournaments, and also the top scorer at the tournament.

He has two major honours with Portugal; he led his country to success at Euro 2016 and the inaugural UEFA Nations League three years later.

Ronaldo said he was “very proud” to complete 200 games for Portugal.

“So happy. It’s that kind of moment that you never expect to do it, 200 caps. For me it’s an unbelievable achievement,” Ronaldo told UEFA’s website. “Of course, to score the winning goal, it’s even more special.

“I will be the first in history to win 200 games, I am very proud of that, It's something I never thought about.

“Since the first day, I was international, it's always been a dream to play for the national team. I'll stay here until I feel I owe it, I, the president and coach. I'll never give up coming here, because it's always a dream. Two hundred games shows my love for the country.”

Asked about the most special game among the 199 played so far, Ronaldo could not choose just one.

“It’s hard to pick just one. I’ve had so many beautiful moments. I can't mention one. It's always the easiest when you win, the finals, the Euro 2016, the Nations League. But there are many good moments, and that’s why I prefer to say the next game is the best one,” he said.

The veteran striker also insisted he will continue to feature for the national team in the coming years.

"I feel that I continue to be a great asset, not only within field but also outside. I want to continue because I feel I have a lot to give. And it's living in the moment, it's been very positive. The future only God knows. I want to continue," he said.

While Ronaldo is the record holder when it comes to men’s internationals, the all-time record is held by former USWNT and 2015 U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame inductee Kristine Lilly with 354 appearances.