Awesome! Cristiano Ronaldo fancies facing Messi at the World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo would have no problem facing Lionel Messi at the FIFA World Cup, noting that it “would be awesome.”

Having struggled to make an impact in Portugal’s opening draw with Congo DR in Group K — Ronaldo scored twice on Tuesday as Portugal defeated Uzbekistan 5-0.

The Portuguese forward scored with just six minutes played in Houston, and added a second before halftime, either side of a Nuno Mendes free kick.

An own goal from Abduvohid Nematov and a late fifth from Rafael Leão completed Portugal’s win.

Portugal are now on track to qualify for the knockout stage, where they could end up on the same side of the draw as Messi’s Argentina.

Ronaldo and Messi have never faced off in a major tournament throughout their record-setting careers.

“I don’t know how to answer that,” Ronaldo said, speaking to journalists after the game, when asked about facing long-term rival Messi. “But, well, it would be awesome.

“The most important thing was today, winning to advance, and being ready for what’s next … The main goal was to advance from the group stage, and we did it.”

Cristiano Ronaldo poses with the Player of the Match award after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match between Portugal and Uzbekistan. (Photo by Alex Pantling – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

The Portugal team faced criticism from the country’s media after the draw with Congo DR, as Ronaldo’s place in the starting 11 was questioned.

“It was a very tough and difficult week, with public opinion being very harsh on all the players, especially on me and the coach [Roberto Martinez],” Ronaldo said. “But I don’t mind. I’ve been in this profession for 23 years now, and whenever things go well, ‘Cristiano is doing great,’ but when they go badly, ‘Cristiano is retired, he’s too old.’ It will always be like that. But we responded well today.”

Ronaldo shut down another question on Messi, with whom he has been compared throughout his career.

“Next question,” he snapped, when asked about Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland, who are leading the race for the tournament’s Golden Boot.

“The most important thing is the team, being united with them,” Ronaldo said. “We can’t control the rest that comes from outside. We know that when we don’t win, we get attacked, especially me.”

Portugal will face Colombia in their final group game in Miami Gardens on Saturday, a win will see them clinch top spot in the group.