Ronaldo is late to the World Cup party but he still manages the show | World Cup 2026

Portuguese coach Martinez said that Ronaldo’s competition with players like Messi makes all players better.

Cristiano Ronaldo finally joined the goalscoring party at the World Cup with a brace for Portugal against Uzbekistan, capping a tough week and reminding fans that his fighting spirit in the box has not waned.

Ronaldo scored twice in the first half as Portugal won 5-0 Tuesday, bringing relief to the players and the team, who came great opposition following a lack of energy 1-1 draw and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to begin with.

Ronaldo was also worth watching Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe Light up the competition with their goals, but now he has two of his own when he became the first player in history to score in six World Cups, and he became Portugal’s leading scorer in the international finals, passing Eusebio.

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said that the competition between Ronaldo and Messi is important for all players and makes them successful.

“I believe that all the players have improved in football over the years, and their competition is important for them to grow,” he said.

“(Ronaldo) is an icon and a good example in the national team, he has a good attitude on the field and in the dressing room.

“Not just scoring goals – passes, chances created – it’s an example when it comes to the World Cup.”

Ronaldo was seen shouting, “I’m here!” on television cameras as he left the field following his two goals, but Martinez said he never saw the player hesitate.

“He’s human and he’s allowed to have an opinion,” he said. “I have never worked with a player who says, whatever happens today, tomorrow he is hungry to work again.

“And that’s the quality I want to give to every young player.”

Uzbekistan coach Fabio Cannavaro, who lifted the trophy in Italy at the start of Ronaldo’s 6th World Cup in 2006, said he has nothing but praise for the player’s longevity.

“When you play with Ronaldo, you can’t leave him anything. If you give him even an inch, he will score,” Cannavaro said.

“The (Portuguese) players play him, give him the ball. As a defender, you have to be smart to be around him.

“He is a great player, and I said to him after the game, ‘You can play for many years and enjoy your football’.”

FIFA president Gianni Infantino thanked Ronaldo for his “great performance” and shared his wishes for the rest of the tournament.