Cristiano Ronaldo will lead Portugal into their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against DR Congo on Wednesday, carrying added pressure after Lionel Messi’s historic performance for Argentina.
Messi stole the spotlight by scoring a remarkable hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria, helping the defending champions begin their title defence in style.
The achievement marked the 38-year-old’s first World Cup hat-trick and saw him become the oldest player ever to record a treble at the tournament.
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The record had previously belonged to Ronaldo, who was 33 years and 122 days old when he scored a hat-trick against Spain during the 2018 World Cup.
Now 41, Ronaldo heads into what is expected to be his fifth World Cup appearance determined to inspire Portugal to success. The Al Nassr forward will also be aiming to make his own mark on the tournament and respond to the challenge set by his long-time rival.
With Messi already grabbing global headlines, all eyes will be on Ronaldo as Portugal begin their quest for World Cup glory against the Congolese side.
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