Cristiano Ronaldo Breaks Record For Most Games Played In Men's International Soccer

Cristiano Ronaldo sets a new record for most games played in men's international soccer after being selected to start for Portugal against Liechtenstein.

Cristiano Ronaldo set a new record in men's international soccer on Thursday night after being selected to start for Portugal against Liechtenstein.

The 38-year-old has now played in 197 matches for his country, breaking the record previously set by Bader Al-Mutawa, who has been capped 196 times by Kuwait.

Ronaldo, who made his senior international debut back in 2003, already held the record for most goals scored in men's international soccer, having netted 118 times in his first 196 appearances for Portugal.

He enhanced that record by scoring his 119th and 120th international goals in a 4-0 win over Liechtenstein in Lisbon.

Cristiano Ronaldo has broken the men's international appearance record :: IMAGO/Ulmer/Teamfoto

His goals record seems safe for now, as the next active player behind him on the list, Lionel Messi, is way back on 98.

But Ronaldo's new appearance record could be equaled later this week if Al-Mutawa features when Kuwait play the Philippines in a friendly on Friday.

Al-Mutawa, is also 38 years old.

Like Ronaldo, he has been playing for his country since 2003.

Al-Mutawa has scored 56 goals in his first 196 games for Kuwait.

Meanwhile, the most capped women's player of all time is Kristine Lilly, who represented the USWNT 354 times between 1987 and 2010.