Cristiano Ronaldo found himself at the centre of unexpected fan reactions after Portugal’s opening match in the FIFA World Cup 2026 ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw against DR Congo in Group K.
Despite entering the tournament as favourites, Portugal were held by a resilient DR Congo side. João Neves had given the European giants the lead, but Yoane Wissa struck before half-time to secure a historic point for the African team.
The match marked a record sixth World Cup appearance for Cristiano Ronaldo, but it turned out to be a frustrating outing for the veteran forward. He struggled to make an impact throughout the game, managing just 25 touches and failing to register a shot on target as Portugal’s attack lacked fluency.
After the final whistle, videos circulating on social media showed DR Congo fans chanting “Messi, Messi” towards Ronaldo as he walked off the pitch. The chants appeared to reference long-standing comparisons between Ronaldo and his career rival Lionel Messi, turning the moment into a viral talking point online.
Interestingly, Ronaldo did not react to the taunts and remained composed as he headed towards the tunnel, focusing on Portugal’s World Cup campaign instead of engaging with the crowd.
The draw has added early pressure on Portugal in Group K, with Roberto Martínez’s side now needing stronger performances in their remaining fixtures to secure qualification and keep their title hopes alive.