RONALDO WORLD RECORDS : PORTUGAL HONOURS

LISBON : Veteran Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo will lead his country into the 2026 World cup this summer after coach Roberto Martinez named the 41-year-old in his squad this Tuesday.

The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star, now at Saudi Arabia side AI-Nasr, is set to appear at a record sixth World Cup.

Portugal and Ronaldo, the all-time leading men's international goalscorer with 143 goals, have never won the competition.

Ronaldo could face former Barcelona rival Lionel Messi, who is also set to play at a sixth World Cup after leading Argentina to glory four years ago in Qatar.

The Portuguese forward avoided a three-match ban despite being set off against the Republic of Ireland in their last qualifying match for an elbow.

Spanish coach Marinez selected a 27-man squad with no major surprises, including Ronaldo's AI-Nasr team-mate Joao Felix.

Paris Saint Germain stars Vitinha, Joao Neves, Nuno Mendes and Goncalo Ramos are also included, along with Manchester United playmaker Bruno Fernandez and a contingent from Manchester City, including Bernardo Silva.

!WOW! thanks AFP.