Cristiano Ronaldo sidesteps Lionel Messi GOAT – Sports News
Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal walks off the pitch after the 1-1 draw during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Okay match between Portugal and Congo DR at Houston Stadium on June 17, 2026 in Houston, Texas (Image: Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo delivered a pointed response to Lionel Messi’s spectacular World Cup opening, netting twice towards Uzbekistan, but the Portugal star confirmed little need to debate his longtime rival following the match. Messi has dominated the headlines all through the match up to now, with the 38-year-old accounting for all 5 of Argentina’s targets on the competitors.
The Argentine now holds the report for essentially the most World Cup targets in historical past, with an spectacular tally of 18. Ronaldo had struggled in Portugal’s opening fixture, a disappointing 1-1 stalemate towards DR Congo, however bounced back emphatically with a brace towards Uzbekistan.
While Ronaldo was thrilled as Portugal cruised to a 5-0 victory, he was visibly irritated when questioned about Messi within the post-match press convention. Speaking to reporters within the combined zone at Houston Stadium, Ronaldo was interrupted mid-question when a journalist requested the Portugal captain about longtime rival Messi.
“Yesterday, Lionel Messi scored 2 goals and Mbappe,” the reporter mentioned, earlier than being cut off by Ronaldo, who mentioned, “Next question.”
Ronaldo swiftly redirected his consideration to a different reporter’s query. He did, nevertheless, open up about his mindset following the troublesome opener towards DR Congo.
Ronaldo netted twice towards Uzbekistan (Image: undefined)
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner had failed to seek out the online in that match and confronted widespread mockery from followers who argued the 41-year-old was previous his prime.
Some even steered his inclusion within the beginning lineup was hampering Portugal’s efficiency — however Tuesday’s show silenced his critics.
Ronaldo netted twice, cleverly deceiving opponents by setting up a free kick for Nuno Mendes, who completed it off, whereas Rafael Leao additionally discovered the online.
Ronaldo sidestepped a query about rival Messi (Image: Getty)
Beyond Messi’s match information, Ronaldo etched his own place in historical past by turning into the primary participant to attain in six separate World Cups.
“God helps those who work hard. I knew my teammates would help out too,” Ronaldo mentioned after the sport. “It was a difficult week, a dark week. It felt like I’d retired from soccer.
“But I hung in there, as I at all times do, as a result of I imagine in exhausting work more than anything. It was powerful, I’ve to confess, however we’re back.”
Portugal’s progression
Ronaldo also noted Portugal’s progression since their opening draw, stating, “We’ve improved; that is simply how life is. We face setbacks during video games and in life, however the principle purpose is at all times to improve.
“And that’s what we did. It was a very tough and difficult week, with public opinion being very harsh on all the players, especially on me and the coach.
“But I do not thoughts. I’ve been on this occupation for 23 years now, and every time issues go nicely, Cristiano is doing great, however once they go badly, Cristiano is retired, he is too outdated. It will at all times be like that.
“But we responded well today. That’s what we wanted. We played with a high line, and when we do that, it’s hard to stop Portugal.”
Portugal now sits on 4 factors forward of their ultimate group stage conflict towards Colombia, who’ve gathered three factors following their victory over Uzbekistan. DR Congo face Colombia on Tuesday, having simply secured a memorable draw towards Portugal.
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