‘Next question’. Cristiano Ronaldo deflects a journalist’s question about Lionel Messi after Portugal’s historic win on Football News:
Cristiano Ronaldo happily talks about records, criticism and Portugal’s strong response against Uzbekistan. He wasn’t very interested when the conversation turned Lionel Messi.The Portugal captain produced one of the standout performances of the World Cup so far on Tuesday night, scoring twice in a 5-0 win over Uzbekistan that changed Portugal’s position in Group K and added more milestones to his remarkable career.After a difficult opening game against DR Congo, where Portugal was held to a 1-1 draw and Ronaldo faced criticism for failing to convert key chances, the 41-year-old responded with a record-breaking display in Houston.His first goal came after just six minutes when he headed João Cancelo’s low cross past goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov, becoming the first player in football history to score in six different World Cup tournaments.His second, scored before halftime after a full-time run on a Bruno Fernandes through-ball, moved him to 10 World Cup goals for Portugal and allowed him to surpass Eusébio’s long-standing national record of nine that stood since 1966.After the match, Ronaldo appeared relieved and happy.After finding a television camera, he shouted “I’m back”, a message that seemed to be aimed at those who doubted his form and Portugal’s prospects after the opening match.Speaking afterwards, Ronaldo admitted that last week was not easy.“It’s been a tough, dark week. It feels like I’m retiring from football.Asked about his “Returned” comment, Ronaldo added: “Yes, so people don’t forget.”In his performance, said the veteran. “They said I should retire… but I’m here.“The noise from outside is always like this, but we can’t control it. We are moving forward and we are united.”The veteran forward suggested the scrutiny extended to his performance against DR Congo, with reports circulating of alleged tensions within the Portugal camp.“I know my teammates will also help me. It was difficult, I have to admit, but we came back. I’m very happy.”Ronaldo was also asked about becoming the first footballer to score in six World Cups, a record that adds to a list of achievements that already includes being the top scorer in all of international football.“Records are always nice to break, but my goal is to help the national team achieve its goals. The most important thing is the work of the team and the confidence we have.”At the age of 41 years and 138 days, Ronaldo is now the second-oldest goalscorer in World Cup history, behind only Roger Milla, while he is also the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup match. His latest appearance also marks his sixth World Cup tournament, where he has now scored in every edition, a Guinness World Record as the first player in football history to score in six different FIFA World Cups.However, the situation changed when a reporter tried to ask about Messi.During the mixed-zone interviews, a Spanish-speaking journalist began to frame a question about Messi’s latest World Cup exploits and appeared to be referring to the Argentina captain and Kylian Mbappé before Ronaldo abruptly ended the exchange.Instead of allowing the question to continue, Ronaldo turned away, pointed to another journalist and invited them to ask their question.The reporter never finished.Later, when another journalist asked if he could ask a question, Ronaldo gave a straightforward answer.“That depends on the question, otherwise I won’t answer you.”Messi, who turned 39 on Wednesday, entered the day as the tournament’s top scorer with five goals from two games and recently became the top goalscorer in men’s World Cup history. However, Ronaldo showed little interest in discussing his long-time rival on a night that belonged to Portugal.The only time he briefly entertained the subject came when he was asked about the possibility of facing Argentina later in the tournament.“I don’t know what to answer. It’s a question that doesn’t make much sense. But, well, it’s the highest.”For now, Ronaldo’s focus remains firmly on his own journey in Portugal.Victory over Uzbekistan moved Roberto Martínez’s side to four points and leaves them in a strong position ahead of a decisive Group K final meeting with Colombia. If Portugal wins, they will secure the top spot in the group and carry great momentum into the knockout rounds.After what Ronaldo described as a “dark week”, the conversation he seems to be most interested in is not about Messi, Mbappé or any rival. It’s about Portugal’s response, and his own reminder that he remains capable of shaping football’s biggest tournament.
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