Portugal Coach: 'Only Kids Compare Ronaldo with Messi'
US—Portugal coach Roberto Martinez calls comparing Cristiano Ronaldo to Lionel Messi unprofessional, defends decision to let 41-year-old striker play full 0-0 draw against Colombia at World Cup 2026.
After scoring brace against Uzbekistan, Ronaldo went quiet, failed to score against Colombia. At Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, 41-year-old striker played full 90 minutes, had 35 touches, 81% passing accuracy, three shots with one on target, seven carries, lost possession eight times. Though Portugal needed win to top group, coach Martinez kept forwards Goncalo Ramos and Goncalo Guedes on bench.
Post-match, Portugal head coach explained selection: "Ronaldo is center-forward. His movement in box is crucial, team needs to sync with it. We monitor physical metrics in real-time; Ronaldo played very well. He is in great physical shape."
Cristiano Ronaldo (red shirt) shoots during Portugal's 0-0 draw against Colombia in final match of Group K, World Cup 2026 at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Florida, US on June 28, 2026. Photo: AP
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While Ronaldo, 41, played all three group matches, Lionel Messi did not do same for Argentina. Messi was subbed off late in second half against Algeria, benched against Jordan, only played full 90 minutes against Austria. Asked about this, Martinez rejected comparison. "We do not compare players. Unprofessional, only kids do that," Spanish manager emphasized.
In final group match, Portugal was outplayed, holding 45% possession, 13 shots with 2 on target—compared to Colombia's 26 and 6. European side relied on goalkeeper Diogo Costa to keep clean sheet. Still, Martinez praised Portugal for limiting impact of Luis Diaz and James Rodriguez, while handling pressure from hostile crowd of Colombia fans. 52-year-old coach felt Portugal created enough chances to win but lacked clinical edge.
"Bruno Fernandes and Joao Felix both had chances," he said. "In matches like this, especially in knockout stages, scoring early and controlling game is key. We failed to do that."
Ronaldo moves wide, crosses into box.
Portugal drew Congo 1-1, beat Uzbekistan 5-0, drew Colombia 0-0. They finished second in Group K, will face Croatia in round of 16 at BMO Field, Canada, 6:00 AM July 3, Hanoi time.
Despite winning only one group match, Martinez insists Portugal remains title contender. "Never changed my mind," he said confidently. "Our goal remains same. Group stage is process for team to grow, overcome tough moments, prepare for knockouts."
He stated Portugal is more confident, ready after first three matches, dismissing concerns that finishing second and having one less day of rest would hurt chances. According to Spanish manager, Croatia presents different challenge than Colombia. "Two teams have completely different styles. We will prepare differently," he said.
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