Ronaldo breaks record for most goals in men's international football

Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo established himself as the top scorer in the history of men's international football in Wednesday's 2-1 World Cup qualifying win over the Republic of Ireland.

Ronaldo had to work for his record-breaking 110th goal. Teenage goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu saved a first-half penalty from Ronaldo, and John Egan gave the visiting team a shock lead just before the interval.

But the Manchester United marksman headed home an 89th-minute equalizer to surpass the previous mark of 109 set by Iranian icon Ali Daei between 1993 and 2006.

Ronaldo then won the game for Portugal with his 111th international goal, converting another header in the 96th minute.

"I'm so happy, not only because I beat the record, but for the special moment that we had," he told RTE, according to BBC Sport. "Two goals at the end of the game. I have to appreciate what the team did, we believed until the end. I'm so glad."

Canada's Christine Sinclair holds the women's record with an incredible 188 strikes on the international stage.

Ronaldo was shown a yellow card for removing his shirt to celebrate his match-winning effort, incurring a suspension that rules him out of Tuesday's World Cup qualifying meeting with Azerbaijan. He's subsequently been pardoned from Saturday's friendly against Qatar and released early from international duty.

The 36-year-old can now focus on his second debut for Manchester United on Sept. 11 against Newcastle United.

Ronaldo will make more history with his next international appearance after he leveled Spanish defender Sergio Ramos' record for appearances in men's international football - which currently sits at 180 - against Ireland. Portugal has three matches scheduled for October.