Ranking the best hat-tricks by Cristiano Ronaldo in international football
Portuguese football sensation Cristiano Ronaldo is considered the GOAT, not just from his nation, but also in world football today, alongside Lionel Messi. While who is the greatest among the two is still debatable, Ronaldo's continued success at the international level, along with multiple hat-tricks, gives him the edge. On the same note, we rank his best hat-tricks in international football so far.
Ronaldo helps Portugal overcome Armenia's intensity
It was in 2015 during an intense UEFA Euro Qualifier, when Marcos Pizzelli opened the proceedings for the hosts, Armenia, in the opening half, as Ronaldo pulled one back in the same half, via a penalty. He followed it up with a couple more in the second half, as despite a red card later, it was enough for the side to win 3-2.
Ronaldo steers Portugal to UEFA Nations League final
One of the most important hat-tricks in Ronnie's international career came during the semis of the 2018-19 UEFA Nations League. Playing against Switzerland, Ronaldo opened up in the 25th minute, only to be pulled back in the 57th. Nonetheless, it was a dramatic finish, as he struck twice in the closing stages, in 88th and 90th minute, to magically send Portugal to the final.
Hat-trick, along with team work, leads to Lithuania rout
The most recent hat-trick for Ronnie came against Lithuania on Friday during the Euro Qualifiers. In a 6-0 rout, Ronaldo struck the opener in the seventh minute, through a penalty, followed by another in the 22nd minute. While his teammates scored three more in the second half, Ronaldo sealed it with the winner, in the 65th minute, as they edged closer to qualification.
Another day, another Lithuania rout
Seems like Ronaldo has a love for performing against Lithuania, as this was Portugal's first clash against the side in the Euro Qualifiers this year. Held in September, Ronaldo netted four consecutive goals. While it all started with a seventh-minute penalty, which was restored in the 28th, he ran amok in the second half with three more, to finish 5-1.
The best of all against Andorra
The best of Ronnie's hat-tricks came against Andorra, when during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in 2016, he scored the opening two goals within four minutes. The second half saw him scoring a couple more as it nothing, but sealed the fate of Andorra in the tie. However, it must be noted that a couple of red cards to Andorra made things easier.
