(Clip) International Soccer: Supporters Eagerly Await Ronaldo's Retort to Messi's Three-Goal Performance as Portugal Takes On Democratic Republic of Congo

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Korede Oluwadare

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As Portugal prepares to kick off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against DR Congo in Houston today, all eyes are on Cristiano Ronaldo, who is set to feature in the starting XI for what many see as one of the Seleção’s strongest squads in recent memory.

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Video footage from Portuguese sports channel Canal 11 captured the moment, showing Ronaldo and his teammates making their way through the wet conditions, with security personnel and staff ensuring a smooth exit.

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As the squad departed their Houston hotel under overcast skies, players boarded the team bus amid enthusiastic support from Portuguese fans who braved the rain to cheer them on.

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The opening fixture carries added narrative following Lionel Messi’s dazzling hat-trick in his side’s opening fixture. Fans are eagerly watching to see how Ronaldo will respond to rival Messi’s opening-match hat-trick, as the Portuguese captain prepares to lead the charge against DR Congo.n

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The confirmed Portugal lineup includes Diogo Costa in goal; João Cancelo, Tomás Araújo, Renato Veiga, and Nuno Mendes in defence; João Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Pedro Neto, and Cristiano Ronaldo leading the attack.

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Ronaldo’s inclusion in the starting lineup has sparked debate, particularly given his age of 41. Critics have questioned whether the five-time Ballon d’Or winner can still deliver at the highest level in what is likely his final World Cup. However, coach Roberto Martinez has consistently defended his captain.

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(𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐎) 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐂𝐮𝐩: 𝐅𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐝𝐨’𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢’𝐬 𝐇𝐚𝐭-𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐚𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐃𝐑 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐨

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The opening fixture carries added narrative following Lionel Messi’s dazzling hat-trick in his…

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— Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch)

n June 17, 2026n

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In a recent press conference, Martinez had emphasised that, “Age is only a number. Certainly, in the national team, we can measure exactly what’s happening on the day, and you make the decisions for the next day.”

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Reactions have poured in on social media. One fan, #Toluwase_x, hailed Ronaldo on X as “The greatest player of all time.” Another, #Petrus_Eras, called for “A hat-Trick of penalties is all we ask from you, my goat.”

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Supporter #SthirVichaar noted, “Cristiano Ronaldo’s confidence inspires Portugal’s World Cup dream!”

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Portugal boasts what many consider their strongest squad heading into a World Cup, bolstered by players fresh from successful campaigns.

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Bruno Fernandes arrives in top form, while João Félix and several PSG stars, including Vitinha, João Neves, and Nuno Mendes, are energised by recent triumphs in club football. This blend of experience and youthful talent positions the Seleccao as serious contenders.

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DR Congo, returning to the World Cup after a long absence, will pose a defensive challenge, but Portugal is expected to start strongly. Ronaldo has spoken positively about the squad’s potential, echoing Martinez’s belief in their ability to go far.

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