2026 World Cup: Ronaldo - Messi, Daniel Riolo highlights the difference

17.06.26 FT World Cup

Portugal

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DR Congo

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With Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo failed to shine in his country's opening match at this 2026 World Cup. Quite the opposite of Lionel Messi’s performance for Argentina against Algeria.

Speaking on RMC, Daniel Riolo explained that the Portuguese captain is struggling to bring the Seleção das Quinas together around him. That’s not the case with Argentina. The Albiceleste always play for La Pulga.

"Messi? Unlike Ronaldo, his teammates still believe in him. That’s a big difference with the Portuguese, who in my opinion no longer believe in Ronaldo. Messi’s teammates accept the tactics built around him. He’s prepared himself to shine at this World Cup, tailoring everything to his abilities and his age. (...) It’s hard to imagine him winning a second World Cup in a row—he’d make even more history, he’d definitely become the greatest player in football history. We’re not there yet, but I’m blown away. What he did drove me crazy," admitted Daniel Riolo.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

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