Cristiano Ronaldo endured a frustrating start to his FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign as Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their Group K opener in Houston on Wednesday. The Portuguese captain not only failed to find the net but was also subjected to chants of rival Lionel Messi’s name by opposition supporters after the match.
The result came as a disappointment for Roberto Martinez’s side, who had entered the tournament as one of the favourites and took an early lead through Joo Neves. However, Yoane Wissa’s equaliser before half-time ensured DR Congo secured a historic point against the European giants.
PORTUGAL VS DR CONGO, FIFA WORLD CUP: HIGHLIGHTS
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For Ronaldo, it was another difficult outing in front of goal. The 41-year-old managed just two shots off target and had only 25 touches throughout the contest as Portugal struggled to convert their dominance in possession into meaningful chances. Having also drawn blanks in pre-World Cup friendlies against Chile and Nigeria, Ronaldo is now without a goal in 10 matches at major tournaments, stretching back to Euro 2024.
Despite the result and the chants directed towards him, Ronaldo appeared unfazed. Videos circulating widely on social media showed DR Congo supporters chanting “Messi, Messi” as the Portugal captain made his way off the pitch after acknowledging fans.
Rather than reacting, Ronaldo continued walking towards the tunnel and was later seen warmly embracing a DR Congo supporter who had invaded the pitch, earning praise online for his composed response.
RONALDO, MESSI DAY ONE CONTRAST
The chants gained extra attention because of what had unfolded elsewhere at the World Cup just 24 hours earlier.
While Ronaldo struggled to influence proceedings against DR Congo, Messi produced another masterclass for Argentina. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner scored a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria, drawing level with Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals and becoming the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick.
The contrast between the two icons has become one of the defining storylines of the tournament’s opening week.
The previous World Cup in Qatar also saw their paths diverge dramatically. Ronaldo scored in Portugal’s opening group-stage match but failed to find the net in the next two games and was eventually benched by then coach Fernando Santos during the knockout rounds. Portugal’s campaign ended in a quarter-final defeat to Morocco.
Messi, meanwhile, enjoyed one of the greatest World Cup campaigns in football history. The Argentine scored seven goals and provided three assists as Argentina lifted the trophy for the third time. He found the net in every knockout-round match, including twice in the final against France, and won a record second Golden Ball.
Four years later, Messi continues to add to his legacy, while Ronaldo remains in pursuit of another landmark moment. The Portugal captain arrived in the United States hoping to become the first player to score in six different World Cups. That wait will continue for at least another match when Portugal face World Cup debutants Uzbekistan in their second Group K fixture.
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