2026 World Cup: Cristiano Ronaldo's numbers are "another level entirely" with superstar now up and running

Ahead of Portugal's clash with Colombia astatine the 2026 World Cup, Sports Mole's Football Editor discusses Cristiano Ronaldo, who netted doubly against Uzbekistan past clip out.

Matt Law, Football Editor: 'The Messi-Ronaldo statement volition ever travel up'

It was discussed earlier the Uzbekistan crippled whether Ronaldo mightiness beryllium dropped, but this was ever the cleanable crippled for him to get disconnected the people successful the tournament. 

The level of disapproval directed astatine a subordinate with that many international goals is difficult to comprehend.

The Messi-Ronaldo statement volition ever travel up, and they person undoubtedly driven each different to greater heights implicit the years. Deep down they person immense respect for each other, careless of the communicative astir their rivalry. 

Looking astatine the all-time planetary apical scorers list, with Messi and Ronaldo astatine the top, the question of whether those numbers volition ever beryllium matched is simply a singular one. 

Lukaku is up determination with 90 planetary goals, which is extraordinary successful itself, and Kane, Neymar, and Lewandowski are besides successful the apical ten. 

Ronaldo's 145 for Portugal is connected different level entirely. He had opportunities to people a 3rd against Uzbekistan and, nevertheless composed helium appeared outwardly, helium would person been feeling the pressure. 

He is experienced capable to person known that going another crippled without scoring would person amplified the criticism considerably. 

The existent conflict for Ronaldo present is staying successful the squad and contributing astatine the level Portugal need. 

Whether helium tin people successful the knockout rounds, which has proved elusive for immoderate time, remains the cardinal question. He inactive believes helium tin pb Portugal to occurrence this summer. 

Ronaldo present has 975 vocation goals, and portion helium volition not scope 1,000 astatine this World Cup, it is virtually inconceivable that helium retires earlier getting there. 

For a subordinate who could perchance scope 1,000 goals adjacent season, the disapproval helium continues to person is remarkable. He came done past clip retired and volition beryllium keen to proceed against a overmuch tougher hostile than Uzbekistan.