Cristiano Ronaldo stormed away from the mixed zone after being quizzed about Lionel Messi’s World Cup goalscoring exploits.
The Portugal captain kick-started his World Cup campaign with a brace as his side cruised to a 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan in Group K on Tuesday.
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Before that, he had drawn a blank in Portugal’s opening 1-1 stalemate against DR Congo, with some critics questioning his display.
PSG star Joao Neves sparked widespread debate when he claimed Ronaldo was ‘no different to the others’ during a post-match media session.
“We know what Ronaldo has done for the national team, but at this moment I feel that, for him, and for everyone, he’s one of us. He’s one more player trying to help, he’s no different to the others. He’s here to contribute like we all will.”
🚨 Journalist: "Leo Messi scored a hattrick…"
🚨 Cristiano Ronaldo: "I couldn't care less about the others…
Mbappé also scored…" pic.twitter.com/UScBZRTCvs
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) June 24, 2026
The remarks led to a wave of backlash on Neves’ Instagram page from Ronaldo supporters, while fellow Portugal star Bruno Fernandes and even Neves’ girlfriend also became targets online.
In response, Ronaldo shared a training-ground picture featuring himself and his teammates, including Neves, alongside the caption: “Always united!”
With scrutiny surrounding the veteran forward reaching intense levels before the Uzbekistan clash, Ronaldo silenced the noise by scoring twice before the break to open his account at the 2026 World Cup.
His first came from close range as he converted Joao Cancelo’s delivery with a first-time finish, before he latched onto a Bruno Fernandes through ball and expertly tucked his effort into the bottom corner.
Ronaldo also stood over a Portugal free-kick while his side led 1-0 but opted to let Nuno Mendes take it, and the defender duly found the net.
Following the final whistle, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid icon was questioned about long-time rival Messi, who had already amassed five goals for Argentina at the tournament.
The Argentine superstar opened his campaign with a hat-trick in a 3-0 victory over Algeria before adding two more in Monday’s 2-0 triumph against Austria.
His opener against Austria saw him become the highest individual scorer in World Cup history with 17 goals, surpassing Germany legend Miroslav Klose.
However, when a reporter specifically raised Messi’s hat-trick in the mixed zone, Ronaldo appeared unimpressed by the line of questioning.
“I couldn’t care less about the others,” Ronaldo said. “[Kylian] Mbappe also scored.”
The Portuguese forward then ended the exchange by walking away, gesturing with his arm toward another journalist as he departed.
Earlier in the day, Ronaldo had already fielded multiple questions regarding Messi’s achievements during a press conference and responded to each one.
Asked whether he would relish a final World Cup showdown with Messi, Ronaldo replied: “Well I don’t know what to answer you, because that’s a somewhat… pointless question, but anyway. It would be great.”
If both Argentina and Portugal finish top of their respective groups — with Portugal needing a win over Colombia in their last group match — the two nations could be on track for a quarter-final meeting at the 2026 World Cup.
