Cristiano Ronaldo signs for the World Cup stage after reaching a milestone achieved only by Lionel Messi
Cristiano RonaldoThe incredible FIFA World Cup journey came to a bitter end after that Portugal were knocked out by Spain in the Round of 16closing another memorable chapter in one of football’s greatest careers. While Lionel Messi continues his pursuit of World Cup glory, Ronaldo emerged from the tournament with another historic achievement that cemented his place among the game’s all-time greats, as Portugal’s hopes faded.
The war in Iberia was always expected to be decided by the best of the best, and it was. Portugal fought throughout the tournament but ultimately failed after scoring the last goal, which left Ronaldo visibly upset as he thanked the fans following what he had confirmed would be his last match at the World Cup.
Spain booked their place in the quarterfinals of the World Cup with 1-0 victory over its opponentthanks to Mikel Merino’s stoppage time winner in Arlington, Texas. The match went as many expected, La Roja controlling possession for long periods while Portugal looked to threaten the counterattack.
Both sides created chances, but neither found success until Merino finished deep in extra time. The Arsenal midfielder came on late in the game before making an important contribution. After exchanging passes with fellow substitute Ferran Torres, Merino raced behind the Portuguese defense and calmly slotted past Diogo Costa to send Spain into the final.
Portugal pushed hard for an equalizer in stoppage time. However, chances from Bernardo Silva and Joao Neves failed to trouble La Roja enough, allowing Luis de la Fuente’s side to keep another clean sheet.
Ronaldo joins Messi in reaching his final World Cup milestone
Although Portugal’s campaign ended in disappointment, Cristiano Ronaldo has reached another extraordinary level held only by Lionel Messi in the history of the World Cup. In accordance with Opta, Ronaldo became only the second player ever to start 25 FIFA World Cup matchesto join Lionel Messicurrently leading the all-time list with 27 starts.
The milestone came when Ronaldo took his place in Portugal’s starting line-up against Spain, making his 25th World Cup start in an incredible six tournaments. Earlier in the competition, the 41-year-old had already drawn comparisons to Messi by appearing in Six different FIFA World Cupswhile also being the first male player to score in six different World Cup tournaments after finding the net against Uzbekistan.
Ronaldo walks away crying but with pride
As soon as the final whistle blew, the Al-Nassr star struggled to hide his emotions. The Portugal captain remained on the pitch with his teammates, applauding the fans before the tears welled up in his eyes.
In 41 yearsRonaldo knew his last chance to lift the one major trophy missing from his glittering collection had vanished. He had confirmed before the match that this would be his last World Cup. “This will be the last World Cup, but let’s hope tomorrow is not my last game,” Ronaldo said before facing Spain.
Reflecting on his future with the national team, he added: “The day will come [when I retire from international football]… Whatever happens tomorrow, Cristiano will leave with a clear conscience, because I gave everything to football”.
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