Ronaldo’s icy response to Messi question after silencing critics
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice to become the only player to score in six World Cups as Portugal beat Uzbekistan 5-0 in Houston on Wednesday (AEST).
He was the latest legendary player to etch his name in the record books at the tournament, after Lionel Messi surpassed Miroslav Klose for most goals at the World Cup 24 hours earlier.
Cristiano Ronaldo cuts off a reporter during a question about Lionel Messi. Instagram
But when he was asked about his old rival post-match it was clear the former Real Madrid star was in no mood for reflection.
As a reporter began a question by pointing out the Argentine’s latest goal haul against Austria, Ronaldo immediately turned away and pointed at another journalist for them to ask a question.
Messi, who has just turned 39, is the top scorer in the tournament with five goals in just two matches, as well as being the top scorer in the history of the World Cup.
Ronaldo, 41, no doubt heard the waves of criticism directed his way after he failed to help Portugal beat DR Congo in their World Cup opener last week.
After the match, the former Manchester United superstar roared “I’m back” into a TV camera.
When asked about his “I’m back” comment, Ronaldo said: “Yes, so people do not forget.
“They said I should retire… but I am here. The noise from outside is always like this, but we can’t control it. We keep going and we are united.”
He added: “God helps those who work hard. I knew my teammates would help out too.
“It was a difficult week, a dark week. It felt like I’d retired from soccer. But I hung in there, as I always do, because I believe in hard work more than anything else.
“It was tough, I have to admit, but we’re back.”
Cristiano Ronaldo after scoring his team's first goal in the 5-0 smashing of Uzbekistan. Getty
Ronaldo scored six minutes into the contest and struck again in the 39th, not only propelling Portugal (1-0-1, 4 points) to the top of Group K pending Colombia’s match on Wednesday, but also writing his name on multiple pages of the record book.
When he finished from the six-yard box on a Joao Cancelo cross six minutes in, he also became the second-oldest player with a World Cup goal. Only Cameroon’s Roger Milla was older at 42 in 1994.
Then, Bruno Fernandes led a Portuguese fast break and fed a through-ball to Ronaldo on his right in the 39th minute. Ronaldo put a perfect touch on his low shot across the box to the far post.
That gave Ronaldo 10 World Cup goals in his decorated career, passing Eusebio to become Portugal’s all-time leading scorer in the tournament.
During a World Cup featuring braces or hat tricks from the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, Erling Haaland and longtime rival Messi, the Portuguese icon was facing scrutiny over whether he should still be central to their attack after last week’s opening draw.
So the jubilation and relief apparent in Portugal’s celebrations were understandable.
“I always arrive,” said Ronaldo, who has scored a goal in every World Cup since 2006. “Sooner or later, I’m there. It’s about continuing the work.
“The most important thing is the team, being united with them and with our families. We can’t control the rest that comes from outside.
“We know that when we don’t win, we get attacked. Especially me.”
The last time Ronaldo scored for Portugal in tournament action (World Cup or Euros) in open play was during the 2021 Euros. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s only goal at the 2022 World Cup came on a penalty kick.
