‘I’m back!’: Ronaldo delivers World Cup 2026 spectacle and gets angry over Messi
Cristiano Ronaldo (photo: Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo becomes the main newsmaker of the World Cup 2026 Round 2. Portugal thrash Uzbekistan (5:0), with the 41-year-old striker scoring a brace. However, after the match, the world is not only discussing his records but also his emotional outburst following a question about Lionel Messi, according to BBC Sport.
“I’m back!” response to critics and historic record
After a dull opening draw against DR Congo (1:1), Ronaldo faced a wave of heavy criticism, while other stars — Messi, Mbappé, and Haaland — were already scoring freely.
In the match against Uzbekistan, Cristiano came out highly motivated: already in the 6th minute, he scored a beautiful half-volley after a pass from Cancelo, and before halftime doubled the score from a Fernandes assist.
While celebrating, Cristiano ran up to a TV camera.
“I’m back! I’m back!” After the match, he added that it was a message to his critics: “So they don’t forget — I’ve been doing this for 23 years,” the footballer shouted defiantly.
Thanks to this brace, Ronaldo set two unique achievements.
He became the first footballer in history to score at six different World Cups.
He also raised his World Cup tally to 10 goals, becoming Portugal’s all-time top scorer at the tournament.
Lost his temper over Messi
Despite the historic triumph, Cristiano’s mood sharply worsened during his media duties.
One journalist asked the Portuguese star about the tournament’s top scorers, noting that Lionel Messi currently leads the 2026 World Cup scoring chart with 5 goals, while Mbappé and Haaland have four each.
As soon as Ronaldo heard the name of his long-time Argentine rival, he deliberately turned his head away, not letting the question finish, and handed over to another reporter.
Shortly after, Cristiano also ignored a question about a possible Portugal vs Argentina quarter-final clash.
