Ronaldo Endures Frustrating World Cup Opener, Taunted with Messi Chants
Quick Look
- Cristiano Ronaldo had a disappointing start to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, failing to score and being taunted with Lionel Messi chants by DR Congo fans after Portugal's 1-1 draw.
- Ronaldo managed only 25 touches and no shots on target.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are widely considered two of the greatest footballers of all time. Their teams, Portugal and Argentina, are participating in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
Cristiano Ronaldo endured a frustrating start to his FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, extending his goal drought for Portugal in a disappointing outing. To make matters worse, fans of the Democratic Republic of the Congo taunted the Portuguese star by chanting Lionel Messi's name after Portugal's 1-1 draw in their Group K opener in Houston on Wednesday.
Ronaldo endured a frustrating night against a disciplined Congolese defense. The 41-year-old played the full 90 minutes but struggled to influence the game, managing just 25 touches and failing to register a single shot on target. As Ronaldo made his way towards the tunnel after the final whistle, sections of the DR Congo supporters broke into loud chants of "Messi, Messi, Messi."
Videos circulating on social media showed the Portuguese star maintaining his composure despite the taunts. Ronaldo responded with a smile, applauded the crowd, and calmly walked into the dressing room. The chants came just a day after Lionel Messi produced a sensational performance for Argentina, scoring a hat-trick in a 3-0 victory over Algeria in Group J.
PlayerTeamMatch ResultGoals Lionel MessiArgentinaWon 3-0 vs Algeria3 (Hat-trick) Cristiano RonaldoPortugalDrew 1-1 vs DR Congo0
Yoane Wissa goal snatches draw for DR Congo against Portugal
Portugal were held to a shock 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K opener at Houston's NRG Stadium. João Neves gave Portugal an early lead in the sixth minute, and Roberto Martínez's side dominated possession for much of the game but failed to convert their control into goals. DR Congo struck back just before halftime when Yoane Wissa headed home from an Arthur Masuaku corner in stoppage time. Portugal thought they had regained the lead through a spectacular João Cancelo overhead kick, but VAR ruled it out for offside. Cristiano Ronaldo also endured a frustrating evening, missing two close-range chances and failing to register a shot on target. As the match wore on, DR Congo looked increasingly dangerous on the counterattack, forcing Portugal's defenders into desperate fouls. The African side ultimately secured a historic first-ever World Cup point, while Portugal were left disappointed after failing to capitalize on their dominance.
Open Questions
- Will Ronaldo's form improve in subsequent matches?
- How will this draw affect Portugal's qualification chances?