Ronaldo: I'm Back, Facing Messi Would Be a Great Idea

The captain of the Portuguese national team, Cristiano Ronaldo, appeared in a press statement following the 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan in the second round of the group stage of the 2026 World Cup.

In response to a question about comparing his World Cup goals with those of Leo Messi, the player said: "I don't care about others, Mbappe also scored, and so did Haaland..."

He added: "I talk a lot with my teammates, and it's hard to control what comes from outside. One of the most important features is that the player controls himself, and that's what I try to do. It was a tough week, and the criticism was very strong, especially against me, but I have 23 or 24 years of experience and I know how to handle it. Before the match, I talked to the players about some ideas, because criticism can always be an opportunity for development. We worked very well, and the most important thing is what happens inside the group, as for the outside, it can't be controlled. I am very happy, I scored two goals, but the most important thing is the team's performance, which played with good organization and clear cohesion."

Regarding some tactical phrases during the match, he said: "In one of the kicks, I was going to shoot, but I told Nuno Mendes that we would trick the goalkeeper, and this reflects the unity of the team from start to finish. Today I am the best, and tomorrow it will be another player. If we stay united, we can go very far."

About the possibility of facing Messi in the upcoming rounds: "I don't know what to answer, the question is illogical for me. It would be a great idea, but the most important thing today is to win and qualify from the group and prepare for what is coming. We have a tough match against Colombia, and the most important thing is that we have already (practically) qualified."

He emphasized: "We have improved, life is like this, there are difficulties in matches and in life in general, and we always want to develop. It was a very tough week in terms of criticism, especially against me and the coach, but I have 23 years of experience in football. When everything is good, they say Cristiano is fine, and when things go wrong, they say he has become old or finished."

He concluded by saying: "I have returned, I am present at the right time. I always believe in what I do, and my career has always been like this. I am very happy, and the most important thing is the team and our unity. Let's continue the journey."