Join on WhatsApp
Join on Telegram
Rabat – Cristiano Ronaldo responded in emphatic fashion after days of criticism surrounding Portugal’s start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Portuguese captain scored twice in Portugal’s dominant 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan, helping his side bounce back after a disappointing 1-1 draw against DR Congo that had sparked widespread backlash online and in the media.
Following that opening match, Ronaldo once again found himself compared to long-time rival Lionel Messi, who had already impressed earlier in the tournament alongside stars such as Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Vinicius Jr, and Harry Kane.
Questions surrounding Ronaldo’s age and influence resurfaced quickly after Portugal’s slow start, with some critics suggesting the 41-year-old was no longer capable of leading the team at the highest level.
Ronaldo appeared determined to answer those doubts on the pitch.
He opened the scoring early against Uzbekistan before adding a second before halftime, becoming the first footballer to score in six different World Cup editions.
At one point during the celebrations, cameras caught Ronaldo shouting “I’m back” directly toward a television camera, a moment many interpreted as a response to criticism he had received throughout the week.
Speaking after the game, Ronaldo admitted the criticism had not gone unnoticed.
“When things go well, they say Ronaldo is good. When things go badly, they say I should retire or that I’m too old,” he said.
He also described the previous days as “a difficult week” for the Portuguese camp, adding that the team had used the criticism as motivation heading into the match.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez strongly defended his captain after the game, describing the backlash as unfair while hailing Ronaldo’s leadership inside the dressing room.
“Our captain is an icon,” Martinez said. “He stayed focused and used his experience in the best possible way.”
The match also revived the endless Messi-Ronaldo debate surrounding the World Cup, especially after Messi recently became the tournament’s all-time leading scorer.
But Ronaldo appeared eager to avoid extending the conversation further.
During the post-match interviews, one reporter attempted to ask him a question related to Messi. Ronaldo quickly shut it down and moved on to the next reporter.
Portugal will now face Colombia in a decisive Group K clash as both sides compete for top spot and momentum heading into the Round of 32.
