Cristiano Ronaldo scores another hat-trick for Portugal as Mario Rui heralds him as ‘best in world’

Ronaldo scored three goals as Portugal hammered hapless Lithuania

(Getty)

Cristiano Ronaldo is the best footballer in the world, his Portugal team-mate Mario Rui has claimed.

Ronaldo was in superb form for the reigning European and Nations League champions last night, scoring a hat-trick in Portugal’s thumping 6-0 win over Lithuania.

It was Ronaldo’s 55^th career hat-trick and his ninth for the Seleção – and after the match Napoli full-back Rui insisted the 34-year-old remains the best in the world.

“He is the best in the world, never tired of winning, wanting more, and it is this hunger that makes him what he is,” the Napoli left-back said, via A Bola.

“We are happy to have him on the team and I hope he will continue to give us joy as he has done so far.”

Portugal can secure their place at Euro 2020 if they beat Luxembourg in their final qualification game and Rui added that his team-mates should not underestimate their unheralded opponents.

“Mathematically, we know it is not [guaranteed] yet,” he said. “We will face a tough team, Luxembourg, we still had that confirmation with the result in Serbia (who won 3-2).

“We know it will be a very difficult game, but our goal is to be at Euro 2020 and we will try to bring all three points to Portugal.”