Messi's World Cup Loss Strengthens Ronaldo's Legacy Argument

WHO:

MARCA - Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Ricardo Costa (former Portugal defender)

WHAT:

MARCA - Cristiano Ronaldo was criticized after Portugal's elimination from the 2026 World Cup.

MARCA - Ronaldo, at 41 years old, played in his sixth World Cup and became the first footballer to score in six different editions of the tournament.

MARCA - Portugal was eliminated in the round of 16 after losing 1-0 to Spain, with Mikel Merino scoring the only goal in the 90th minute.

MARCA - Messi's Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final to Spain, finishing as the runner-up after a 1-0 defeat in extra time.

MARCA - Ronaldo's sixth World Cup produced two goals and a new record.

WHERE:

MARCA - The match between Portugal and Spain took place during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

WHEN:

MARCA - The 2026 World Cup final occurred in 2026.

WHY:

MARCA - Ricardo Costa defended Ronaldo by comparing his performance to Messi's, suggesting that a single match should not define a player's career.

HOW:

MARCA - Costa's comparison aimed to provide perspective on the criticism faced by Ronaldo after the defeat.

(UPDATED August 10, 2026 01:23 UTC)

Cristiano Ronaldo faced criticism following Portugal's elimination from the 2026 World Cup, where they lost 1-0 to Spain in the round of 16, with Mikel Merino scoring the decisive goal in the 90th minute. At 41 years old, Ronaldo made history by becoming the first footballer to score in six different World Cups, finishing this tournament with two goals to his name. In response to the backlash, former Portugal defender Ricardo Costa defended Ronaldo by comparing his performance to that of Lionel Messi, emphasizing that a single match should not overshadow a player's entire career.