Cristiano Ronaldo had no interest in fuelling comparisons with Lionel Messi after his match-winning brace for Portugal against Uzbekistan. The 41-year-old ended his goal drought in emphatic fashion, silencing critics who had questioned whether he still deserved a starting role at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The pressure had intensified after Ronaldo failed to score against DR Congo, while Messi began the tournament with a hat-trick and followed it up with another two-goal display. With the spotlight firmly on him ahead of the Uzbekistan clash, Portugal's captain responded in the only way he knows - by finding the back of the net. Ronaldo's two goals not only eased the pressure but also reminded everyone that writing him off remains a risky decision.
Cristiano Ronaldo was not interested in taking question regarding Lionel Messi. (AP Photo)
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However, when a reporter brought up Messi during the post-match interaction, Ronaldo cut the question short and made it clear he had no interest in discussing the comparison.
"Yesterday," a reporter began asking in the post-game mixed zone, "Lionel Messi scored two goals, [Kylian] Mbappe..." but Ronaldo spun his head to the other side and said, "Vale (Go on)," to take another question from a different reporter.
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Meanwhile, when asked about the possibility of facing Messi and Argentina later in the World Cup, Ronaldo was again far from enthusiastic about the comparison. The Portugal captain dismissed the question before shifting the focus back to his team's performance and their progress in the tournament.
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Meanwhile, when asked about the possibility of facing Messi and Argentina later in the World Cup, Ronaldo was again far from enthusiastic about the comparison. The Portugal captain dismissed the question before shifting the focus back to his team's performance and their progress in the tournament.
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"I don't know how to answer that," Ronaldo said, speaking to journalists after the game, when asked about facing long-term rival Messi. "But, well, it would be awesome.
"The most important thing was today, winning to advance, and being ready for what's next ... The main goal was to advance from the group stage, and we did it."
Ronaldo was visibly charged up after Portugal's emphatic World Cup victory on Tuesday. As the final whistle blew, he turned towards the television camera and delivered a clear message: “I’m back. I’m back.”
The Portugal captain backed up those words with a record-breaking performance, scoring twice in the 5-0 win over Uzbekistan to become the first player to find the net in six different World Cup tournaments. Ronaldo was named man of the match for his performance, the latest of many in his incredible career. It was the perfect response after his quiet outing in Portugal’s opening 1-1 draw against DR Congo, silencing the growing doubts around him.
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.
Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Durand Cup Final Live. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
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Home/Sports/Football/Facing Messi would be ‘awesome’: Cristiano Ronaldo on a potential Portugal vs Argentina World Cup showdown
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