THE HOT CORNER

1 PRO SOCCER: Cristiano Ronaldo became the highest-scoring man in the international soccer history with his 110th goal for Portugal on Wednesday. The Portugal captain scored in the 89th minute against Ireland in a World Cup qualifier, moving ahead of former Iranian striker Ali Daei. The 36-year-old Ronaldo, who finalized his return to Manchester United on Tuesday after leaving Juventus, was playing in his 180th game for Portugal.

PRO FOOTBALL: The Vikings are 2 bracing for a season-long absence for tight end Irv Smith Jr. after knee surgery Wednesday for a torn meniscus. Smith was injured in the team’s last exhibition game Friday at Kansas City. He was in line for a breakout, his third in the NFL, on the heels of the departure of veteran Kyle Rudolph. Smith had 365 yards and five touchdowns in 13 games last season.

PRO FOOTBALL: All-pro safety

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Tyrann Mathieu has tested positive for COVID-19 and was placed on the league’s reserve list, though he could be back with the team soon and available for Week 1 against Cleveland. Mathieu is fully vaccinated, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press, so he can return after two negative tests taken 24 hours apart.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Texas

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A&M’S Board of Regents voted Wednesday to extend coach Jimbo Fisher’s contract through the 2031 season and give him a significant raise. Fisher signed a 10-year, $75 million contract when he took over before the 2018 season. The extension will increase his salary to $9 million on Jan. 1 and $9.15 million on Jan. 1, 2023. After that his salary will increase by $100,000 each year.

PRO BASEBALL: The Astros

5 placed starting pitcher Zack Greinke and first baseman Taylor Jones on the injured list Tuesday, citing health and safety protocols. Manager Dusty Baker said Greinke will miss his next start.