The Portuguese star scored twice against Uzbekistan to become the first player to find the net at six different World Cups, then coolly sidestepped questions about his longtime rival.

The group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will conclude Saturday with Groups J, K and L playing their final slate of games. In Group L, England can likely clinch the group with a win over Panama, while Ghana and Croatia meet in a pivotal match with both teams looking to clinch a spot in the round of 32.

Watching the two greatest footballers of the modern era playing on the biggest stage in the twilight of their careers was irresistible

Cristiano Ronaldo broke a World Cup record set by Argentina star Lionel Messi just 24 hours ago against Austria.

Cristiano Ronaldo clearly thinks he still has a rivalry with Lionel Messi.

“Messi and Ronaldo transcend the sport,” says Steve Martin, founding partner at MSQ Sport and Entertainment. “They’re not these classic footballers where their careers are just going to stop. They’re more enduring than any of them just because of their sheer scale and profile.

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has defended not resting Cristiano Ronaldo in their final group game against Colombia.

Georgina Rodríguez enjoys luxury treatment before Portugal's World Cup clash The comparison between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo is a constant topic in the world of football. The Argentine and the Portuguese stars have been the two dominant figures of the past two decades,