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Cristiano Ronaldo’s international goal drought ended in grand fashion on Tuesday afternoon in Houston, as he scored twice in the 5-0 thrashing of Uzbekistan.
The Portuguese legendary striker was in good spirits throughout the match, but one question that he got during his post-match interview rubbed him the wrong way.
And it involved a comparison to Argentina’s Lionel Messi.
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Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal reacts after the first half during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match between Portugal and Uzbekistan at Houston Stadium in Houston, Texas, on June 23, 2026. (Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images)
Ronaldo was at the podium for his questions with reporters, when one of them began to discuss Messi. Ronaldo quickly turned away and asked another reporter to, “Go ahead,” clearly not wanting to talk about anything related to the man he has been compared to throughout his career.
Tense and awkward would certainly be a way to describe the moment, and the other reporters got the memo as no other Messi questions were asked during Ronaldo’s session.
LIONEL MESSI’S GREATNESS SHINES WITH WORLD CUP HAT TRICK AGAINST ALGERIA
Before scoring in the sixth minute against Uzbekistan, Ronaldo, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, went 10 matches without scoring a goal in a major international tournament for his country. It dated back to November 2022, and things only escalated after a lackluster performance in a 1-1 draw against DR Congo in Portugal’s first World Cup match.
Meanwhile, Messi made World Cup history in his latest match, as he broke Miroslav Klose’s all-time goals record after potting two more in this tournament. Messi already has five goals through two matches, scoring a hat trick in Argentina’s first win over Algeria before handling Austria.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Lionel Messi of Argentina pose during the official FIFA World Cup 2026 portrait sessions in Kansas City and Palm Beach, Florida, ahead of their final World Cup appearances. (Pat Elmont and Karl Bridgeman/FIFA)
Messi now has 18 total World Cup goals for his illustrious career, while Ronaldo has 10. They both, however, are the only men in history to have played in six World Cups.
It may have been a slower start for Ronaldo in this tournament, but like the other superstars who have been on full display – France’s Kylian Mbappe is closing in on Messi’s goals record, while Erling Haaland can’t stop scoring for Norway – he knew he’d show up sooner than later.
“Sooner or later, I’m there. It’s about continuing the work,” Ronaldo told reporters, per ESPN. “I truly believe that God helps those who work hard. It’s always been that way in my career, nothing’s going to change. I’m very happy.”
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo leaves the pitch after the first half during the World Cup Group K match between Portugal and Congo in Houston on June 17, 2026. (Karen Warren/AP)
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Ronaldo almost had his own hat trick, with chances in the second half that didn’t roll his way. He also elected to forego a free kick just outside Uzbekistan’s box, where Nuno Mendes shocked everyone and took the shot for his first goal of the tournament.
Ronaldo, 41, has been questioned by fans whether he can still provide the striking prowess he’s always displayed, especially on the world stage. That debate was silenced a bit after this match, but Portugal has a harder test this Saturday when they face Colombia, where they must win to take Group K. Colombia has defeated DR Congo and Uzbekistan.
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