Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo ignored a question from a journalist referencing his Argentine rival Lionel Messi during the mixed zone after his national team's 2026 World Cup match, in an incident that quickly spread widely across social media.
Ronaldo had shone in Portugal's emphatic 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan, scoring two goals in a standout performance that helped restore his side's momentum following a 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
While speaking to journalists after the match, one reporter attempted to pose a question that referenced Messi, saying "Messi scored two goals yesterday" before stopping without completing his question. Ronaldo appeared indifferent, brushing past the question without responding and addressing another journalist directly, saying: "Go ahead, next question."
The incident comes amid continuing comparisons between the two stars. Lionel Messi had scored 5 goals in 2 matches at the 2026 World Cup, including 3 against Algeria and 2 against Austria, while Ronaldo has so far managed 2 goals in the tournament.
The latest incident has rekindled discussion about the historic rivalry between football's two legends, as both continue to leave their mark on their respective national teams' World Cup campaigns.