FIFA World Cup: Ex-players, opponent fans roast Cristiano Ronaldo over listless show

Hell broke loose after Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal made a disappointing start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) in Houston on Wednesday (June 17). The mere 1-1 draw in the Group K match did not amuse former players and football fans who blamed the 41-year-old striker for the poor show, saying his ego shadowed the team.

Thierry Henry slams Ronaldo's 'selfishness'

Former France international Thierry Henry said bluntly that Ronaldo, who became the oldest outfield player to appear in the World Cup, put his personal ambition before the team’s interests. The ace footballer was far from his best during the match, recording only 25 touches and failing to score, extending his drought to 10 consecutive games for his country. He also failed to hit a single shot on target.

Ronaldo is one of the most prolific scorers of the game, having scored 143 times for Portugal and 973 times in his entire career.

Also read: FIFA World Cup hat-tricks: Messi's is latest, an American scored the first and other key facts

Speaking on Fox after the game, Henry, a member of France’s 1998 World Cup-winning squad, said that more than Ronaldo, Portugal need to score in the games.

“Because he wants to score, he goes in the path of the back pass, you see both players, and it's easier for you to defend. And that's my thing: The team needs to score. Not you,” Henry was heard saying on air.

The former footballer was speaking about a certain situation in the game in the 68th minute when Portugal came very close to scoring their second goal. The attacking sequence involved Joao Cancelo and Bruno Fernandes but according to Henry, Ronaldo spoiled his team’s chances by moving towards the ball, which crowded the area and made it easier for Congo’s defence to thwart the opponents’ attempt.

The netizens were divided over Henry’s take, with some saying the Portugal captain is far too big a player to be taught what to do at crucial moments.

Pressure more on Ronaldo after Messi hat-trick

The pressure on the Portuguese legend to perform was perhaps more because of the events in the preceding 24 hours. Players such as Lionel Messi (Argentina), Kylian Mbappe (France) and Erling Haaland (Norway) scored at least a brace in their opening games, with the Argentinian star, often compared with Ronaldo in the debate on who’s the best in this era, netting a hat-trick against Algeria. Messi, 38, became the oldest to score a World Cup hat-trick, breaking Ronaldo’s 2018 record when he did the same against Spain at the age of 33.

'Ronaldo should make way for young players'

Kevin-Prince Boateng, who has represented Ghana in the World Cup, told SBS Sport that if he were a “real team player”, Ronaldo “would step down and let the young players flow”. According to him, Portugal are a better side without the ace striker.

Also read: FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Boot: Race intensifies as Messi leads Mbappe

Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez also came under criticism, with former England striker Chris Sutton saying he was “scared” to replace Ronaldo despite the latter’s disappointing show.

DR Congo fans tease Ronald with 'Messi' chants

Even the opponent team’s fans were not in the mood to spare the Portugal legend. He was targeted with “Messi Messi” chants as Seleção das Quinas laboured to a draw against DR Congo, who returned to the World Cup after a gap of 52 years. Portugal got an early lead when Joao Neves scored in the sixth minute, but Yoane Wissa denied them a chance to have a happy break by levelling the score in the dying moments of the first half.

In videos that went viral on social media after the game, several DR Congo fans were heard targeting Ronaldo with Messi’s name. The Portuguese, however, did not react.

History beckons Ronaldo

Portugal next takes on Uzbekistan in Houston on June 23 and Colombia in Miami on June 27. Ronaldo, who is playing his record sixth World Cup along with Messi, however, would lead the Argentinian rival if he scores in any of the two remaining matches.

Also read: Messi scores milestone 900th goal, joins Ronaldo in elite club

The footballer, who missed shots wide right in the 68th and 73rd minutes of the DR Congo match and was distraught, would become the first player to score in six tournaments, starting from 2006. Messi has scored in five out of six so far, missing out in the 2010 edition in South Africa.