Ronaldo braces double vs Uzbekistan, brushes off Messi record question

Ronaldo scored two goals as Portugal beat debutants Uzbekistan 5-0 on June 24, 2026, silencing critics after a poor run that included a 1-1 draw with DR Congo. The win came just a day after Lionel Messi became the all-time leading World Cup goalscorer, surpassing Miroslav Klose with two goals against Austria and adding to his earlier hat-trick versus Algeria. When asked about Messi’s new record, Ronaldo turned away from the reporter, wagged his finger and said, "next question." He later said he was happy with the performance but stressed that the team’s work and confidence mattered more than personal records.

For Nigerian football fans, the Ronaldo‑Messi rivalry fuels endless debates about who is the greatest. Ronaldo’s focus on team success over personal milestones offers a reminder that individual glory should serve the collective goal, a lesson relevant to local clubs and school teams. His reaction also shows how even legends can feel irritation when a rival’s achievement dominates headlines.

When your rival hits a milestone, do you celebrate your own team’s progress or let envy creep in? Consider how you handle competition in your own pursuits—on the pitch, at work, or in school.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/06/24/world-cup-2026-what-ronaldo-said-when-asked-about-messis-new-record/