Lithuania were the latest side put to the sword by Cristiano Ronaldo on Thursday night. 

The 34-year-old defied Juventus' suggestions that he wasn't fully fit by scoring yet another hat-trick in Portugal's 6-0 Euro Qualifier victory. 

That's his 55th career treble and his ninth for his country. 

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner finished the night on 98 international goals - two off the 100 milestone, but perhaps more importantly, just 11 away from Ali Daei's unmatched record on the global stage. 

It's surely just a matter of time before Ronaldo eclipses the Iranian. 

For though there are debates to be had about his merits compared to Lionel Messi on a domestic level, the Bianconeri superstar is streets ahead when it comes to international football. 

While the Argentine doesn't have the benefit of playing the likes of Lithuania, Luxembourg, Andorra, and the Faroe Islands, it should still be noted that nobody else in Europe has equalled Ronaldo's many feats either.

Even some of the great internationals are miles behind when it comes to his exploits in front of goal. 

Lionel Messi | Argentina | International goals: 68

It's well-known that Messi has had a somewhat fractious relationship with the Albiceleste. His national side are dependent on him but he has failed to get them over the line and is yet to win a major international tournament. 

Pele | Brazil | International goals: 77

Any analysis of the Selecao legend comes with the obvious caveat that he was playing in a vastly different era. That particularly applies to his domestic career, but he still played against some of the world's best for Brazil. 

Miroslav Klose | Germany | International goals: 71

The undisputed king of the World Cup. Klose scored 16 goals in 24 games during various appearances at the World Cup finals. 

David Villa | Spain | International goals: 59

Villa announced his retirement earlier this week at the end of a stellar career. The striker was key to Spain's dominance between 2008-2012, an era in which La Roja won two European Championships and one World Cup.

Wayne Rooney | England | International goals: 53

These days, Rooney is probably more concerned about Harry Kane catching his England record - the Tottenham man now has 31 for the Three Lions following his hat-trick in the 7-0 mauling of Montenegro. 

It only serves to put Ronaldo's phenomenal rate into sharper perspective. 

The entire nation of Portugal must also be wondering how long he can go on for. 

At 34, he ought to be winding down but shows no signs of letting up whatsoever.