Cristiano Ronaldo is an ‘obstacle’ for Portugal, urged to step down after FIFA World Cup draw against Democratic Republic of the Congo

Since the time of Lionel Messi He scored a hat-trick for Argentina against Algeria in a FIFA World Cup match, and all eyes were on the Group K match between Portugal and the Democratic Republic of the Congo that was scheduled to take place hours later. There was one man in the center of attention – Cristiano Ronaldo. Throughout their careers, the two football greats were always judged against each other. Now that Messi has started scoring a hat-trick, how will Cristiano Ronaldo react? Ronaldo finished the match with 25 touches, attempted three shots without hitting the target, and won just one duel, underscoring how effective Congolese’s defense was in containing them, according to ESPN FC’s X-Handle.

It was also one of the least involved matches of his World Cup career, representing the second fewest touches he has ever scored at the start of a World Cup, highlighting his limited impact on Portugal’s attacking play.

Former England player Jay Boothroyd, who played for clubs such as Stoke City, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers, had a piece of advice after the performance.

Former England international Jay Boothroyd said: “I have to be honest. I think if Ronaldo is a team player, I think he should step down and understand that he has to be a player who plays as a substitute player, as an influential player.” Sky Sports.

He added that Ronaldo will never come as a substitute. He added: “No, I don’t think it is, and that’s my point of view. I look at Ronaldo, and you know, the Ronaldo faithful will hate me today. But it seems like it’s all about him. Yes. You know, and he’s always chasing Messi all the time.”

Boothroyd went on to say that Ronaldo has become a “liability” for his team in the 2026 World Cup.

“He will never be Messi, but what he has done in his career is he has made the most of his career in terms of the way he takes care of himself, the way he has developed his game from being a left winger to being a striker. And yes, there was a time when you said he was one of the best strikers in the world.

“But at the moment, he has become more of a liability for Portugal than a help, and I think that’s where Martinez goes wrong. I think Martinez has to make a big decision. You know, he spoke there after the match about how he’s one of the best scorers in the world, but if he doesn’t score, nothing else will do.”

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