Cristiano Ronaldo has responded to Lionel Messi’s masterclass in the most emphatic fashion, becoming the first player to score at six different World Cups just 24 hours after his great rival struck a brace against Austria. The 41-year-old Portugal captain needed only six minutes to silence his critics, tucking home Joao Cancelo’s low cross against Uzbekistan in their group clash. “You can feel the tension has been released,” said ITV pundit Lee Dixon. “Hairs on the back of your neck. Everybody that loves football will be pleased he’s scored this.”
Ronaldo’s record-breaking goal came a day after Messi opened the scoring for Argentina in their 2-0 victory over Austria, a goal that was replayed from every angle by broadcasters. Messi had also set a World Cup record of his own earlier in the tournament, his brace taking him to 18 goals and making him the all-time top scorer. Ronaldo, by contrast, began the summer on eight goals and struggled in Portugal’s opening 0-0 draw with DR Congo.
“Cristiano Ronaldo became first to score at six World Cups, answering Messi's brace with early goal against Uzbekistan.”
But against Uzbekistan, the veteran striker showed the old instinct. “When the ball has gone wide, at his age you don’t need to be flat out sprinting,” Dixon added. “He’s clever and nips in front. The timing of his run onto the cross is absolute perfection.” Portugal doubled their lead just after the quarter-hour mark when Nuno Mendes fired home a close-range free kick, with Ronaldo acting as a decoy before the Paris Saint-Germain left-back caught goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov off guard. Uzbekistan thought they had pulled one back through Azizjon Ganiev’s long-range strike, but a VAR review ruled it out for a foul on Cancelo in the buildup.
With four points from two games, Portugal have all but secured their place in the round of 32, joining Argentina, USA, France, Germany and Norway who have already qualified. England, under Thomas Tuchel, face Ghana this evening aiming to confirm their spot after beating Croatia in their opener. For Ronaldo, the moment was more than just a goal — it was a statement. “He’s pumped up now,” said Dixon, as the football world watched two of its greatest ever players trade blows on the grandest stage.