A Frustrating Night for CR7
It was a frustrating opening round for Cristiano Ronaldo. While his great rivals and contemporaries — Lionel Messi (hat-trick), Kylian Mbappe (double), and Erling Haaland — all scored in their opening fixtures, Ronaldo was unable to find the net for Portugal against DR Congo.
The Contrast
The opening round of World Cup 2026 saw the games biggest stars deliver. Messi equalled the all-time World Cup scoring record with 16 goals. Mbappe became France all-time top scorer. Haaland scored on his World Cup debut. For Ronaldo — the man who has spent his career competing with Messi for the title of greatest ever — failing to score while the others shone stung.
Time Running Out
At 41, this is Ronaldo final World Cup. The opportunities to add to his 9 World Cup goals are limited. Portugal have more group games, and Ronaldo will be desperate to make his mark before his World Cup career ends. The motivation could not be higher.
Will He Respond?
Ronaldo has built his career on responding to setbacks. Doubted, criticized, written off — and always answering with goals. Expect a motivated CR7 in Portugal next match, desperate to join Messi, Mbappe, and Haaland on the scoresheet before his final World Cup ends.
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