cristiano ronaldo Great to talk about records, criticism and Portugal’s strong response to Uzbekistan. when the conversation turns to Lionel Messi.The Portugal captain produced one of the best performances of the World Cup so far on Tuesday night, scoring twice in a 5-0 win over Uzbekistan to transform Portugal’s position in Group K and add several milestones to his remarkable career.Ronaldo was criticized for failing to capitalize on key chances in Portugal’s 1-1 draw in their opening match against the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the 41-year-old responded with a record-breaking performance in Houston.He scored his first goal just six minutes later when he turned Joao Cancelo’s low cross past goalkeeper Abdulvohid Nematov, becoming the first player in football history to score in six different World Cup matches.His second goal, a perfectly timed through ball from Bruno Fernandez shortly before half-time, took him to 10 goals for Portugal at the World Cup and surpassed Eusebio’s national record of nine which had stood since 1966.After the game, Ronaldo looked relaxed and happy.He shouted “I’m back” after seeing the TV cameras, a message that appeared to be aimed at those who had questioned his form and Portugal’s prospects after the first game.In an interview after the game, Ronaldo admitted that the previous week had not been easy.“It’s been a tough, dark week. It feels like I’ve retired from football. But I’ve soldiered on, like I always do, because I believe in work more than anything else.”Asked about his “I’m back” comment, Ronaldo added: “Yeah, so people don’t forget.”Speaking about his performance, the veteran said: “They said I should retire… but here I am.“There’s always noise outside, but we can’t control it. We keep moving forward and we stick together. “The experienced striker said the review went beyond his performance against DR Congo, with reports of tension within the Portugal camp.“I know my teammates will help me as well. I have to admit, it’s difficult, but we’re back. I’m happy.”Ronaldo was also asked about becoming the first footballer to score in six World Cups, a record that adds to a list of achievements that includes becoming the top scorer in international football history.“It’s always good to break records, but my goal is to help the national team achieve their goals. The most important thing is the team’s work and our confidence.”At 41 years and 138 days, Ronaldo is now the second-oldest goalscorer in World Cup history, behind only Roger Milla, and the oldest outfield player to start a game in World Cup history. His latest appearance also marks his sixth World Cup appearance and he has now scored at every World Cup, becoming the first player in football history to score at six different FIFA World Cups, setting a Guinness World Record.However, the atmosphere changed when a reporter tried to ask Messi about it.During a mixed-zone interview, a Spanish-language journalist began asking questions surrounding Messi’s recent World Cup performances and appeared ready to mention the Argentina captain and Kylian Mbappe, before Ronaldo abruptly ended the conversation.Rather than letting the questions continue, Ronaldo turned to another reporter and invited them to ask questions.The reporter didn’t finish.Later, when another reporter asked if he could ask questions, Ronaldo gave a blunt response.“That depends on the question, otherwise I won’t answer you.”Messi, who turns 39 on Wednesday, is the tournament’s top scorer with five goals in two games and recently became the top scorer in men’s World Cup history. Yet Ronaldo had no interest in discussing his long-time rival on this Portuguese evening.The only time he briefly addressed the topic was when he was asked about the possibility of playing against Argentina late in the game.“I don’t know what to answer. The question doesn’t make a lot of sense. But, well, that’s going to be the most important thing.”For now, Ronaldo’s focus remains on Portugal’s own journey.Victory against Uzbekistan moves Roberto Martinez’s side to four points and in a strong position ahead of a decisive final Group K match against Colombia. If Portugal wins, they will secure top spot in the group and head into the knockout rounds with a strong momentum.After what Ronaldo described as a “dark week”, the conversation he seems most interested in isn’t about Messi, Kylian Mbappe or any other rival. It was about Portugal’s reaction, and his own reminder that he still has the power to shape football’s biggest tournament.
