Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo described a potential World Cup showdown with long-time rival Lionel Messi as 'awesome,' following Portugal's dominant 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan in their second group-stage match of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The win secured Portugal's advancement from the group stage, which Ronaldo identified as the team's primary objective.
Ronaldo on Messi: 'It would be awesome'
Speaking after the match in Houston, Ronaldo addressed questions about a possible meeting with Argentina's Lionel Messi later in the tournament. 'I don't know how to answer that. But, well, it would be awesome,' Ronaldo said, as quoted by ESPN. He immediately refocused on the team's achievement: 'The most important thing was today, winning to advance, and being ready for what's next.'
When pressed further about Messi, as well as Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland who are leading the Golden Boot race, Ronaldo cut off the question with 'Next question.' He emphasized that 'the most important thing is the team, being united with them. We can't control the rest that comes from outside.'
Portugal's dominant performance and group-stage goal
The 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan was a convincing display that allowed Portugal to achieve their main target. 'The main goal was to advance from the group stage, and we did it,' Ronaldo stated. The 41-year-old noted that qualification was the team's primary objective, and they accomplished it with a strong performance.
Ronaldo also reflected on the challenging build-up to the match, pointing to intense public scrutiny directed at both the players and head coach Roberto Martinez. 'It was a very tough and difficult week, with public opinion being very harsh on all the players, especially on me and the coach,' he said.
Ronaldo dismisses criticism, focuses on team unity
Having been a professional for 23 years, Ronaldo is accustomed to fluctuating public opinion. 'But I don't mind. I've been in this profession for 23 years now, and whenever things go well, 'Cristiano is doing great,' but when they go badly, 'Cristiano is retired, he's too old.' It will always be like that. But we responded well today,' he added.
Ronaldo stressed that external criticism does not affect his focus. 'We know that when we don't win, we get attacked, especially me,' he said. However, he reiterated that the team's unity and performance on the pitch are what matter most.
World Cup 2026 context and what's next for Portugal
Portugal's victory over Uzbekistan puts them in a strong position as the tournament progresses. With group-stage advancement secured, the team can now focus on the knockout rounds. The prospect of a Portugal-Argentina match remains a tantalizing possibility for fans, but Ronaldo's immediate priority is the team's continued success.
Ronaldo's comments come amid ongoing comparisons with Messi, who has been a defining figure in football alongside the Portuguese star. While both players are in the twilight of their careers, a World Cup encounter would be a historic moment in their rivalry.
