If June 22 belonged to Messi, June 23 was Ronaldo's answer. The greatest rivalry in football history produced its latest chapter — not on the same pitch, but on the same stage — and Cristiano Ronaldo delivered his with typical drama.
A Record for the Ages
Portugal versus Uzbekistan in Seattle. Six minutes played. Ronaldo received the ball, did what Ronaldo does, and drove it into the net. At 41 years and 138 days old, Ronaldo had scored at his sixth World Cup — a record no player in history has ever matched. From Germany 2006 to Canada, Mexico and the United States 2026, two full decades of World Cup goals. The Portuguese squad mobbed him. The crowd gave him a standing ovation. Even the Uzbekistan fans applauded. Some records transcend team allegiance.
Ronaldo added a second before half-time to complete a remarkable personal evening. Nuno Mendes scored a wonderful free-kick in between, Abduvokhid Nematov put through his own net, and substitute Rafael Leão crashed in a fifth late on. Portugal 5-0 Uzbekistan. Ronaldo finished the match with 19 career World Cup goals, and while Messi moved to 18 the previous day, the two legends now sit together at the very summit of the tournament's history — fitting for two players who have defined an era of football.
England Struggle in Los Angeles
England and Ghana, meanwhile, played a match that England supporters will want to quickly forget. Thomas Tuchel's side created chance after chance in Los Angeles and could not score any of them. Ghana, organised and determined, earned a goalless draw that keeps their qualification hopes alive and leaves England picking up unwanted statistical records for missed opportunities. They remain in control of their group, but this was not the performance of a team ready to challenge for the trophy.
Groups Take Shape
Croatia beat Panama 1-0 to keep themselves in contention for the knockout rounds, and Colombia's 1-0 win over DR Congo confirmed their place in the next stage. Group K and Group L are taking shape for their dramatic final matchdays.