WATCH: Cristiano Ronaldo's blunt response steals spotlight after Messi hat-trick question

Cristiano Ronaldo made history on the pitch as Portugal cruised to a dominant 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan at the FIFA World Cup 2026. However, it was a brief post-match interaction involving Lionel Messi that ended up generating significant attention on social media.

The Portugal captain delivered another record-breaking performance with two goals, helping his side bounce back strongly after their disappointing draw against DR Congo. Yet shortly after the match, a reporter's question about Messi's recent exploits became the center of discussion among fans.

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Ronaldo's reaction to Messi question goes viral

Following Portugal's emphatic victory, Ronaldo was approached for post-match media duties. During the interaction, he was asked about Messi's hat-trick and the Argentine's impressive start to the World Cup.

Instead of addressing the question, the 41-year-old simply continued walking while responding:

"I could not care less about others, he replied. "Mbappe also scored," he concluded.

The moment was captured on video and quickly spread across social media platforms, prompting a wave of reactions from football fans.

The clip fueled speculation online, with some supporters suggesting Cristiano Ronaldo intentionally ignored the question, while others believed he simply preferred not to engage in another discussion comparing him with his long-time rival.

The Messi-versus-Ronaldo debate has once again gained momentum at the FIFA World Cup 2026, with both superstars making headlines through their performances. Lionel Messi has enjoyed a blistering start to the tournament, scoring five goals in Argentina's opening two matches, while Ronaldo responded with a standout display of his own against Uzbekistan.

Portugal captain creates history against Uzbekistan

While the post-match exchange attracted attention, Ronaldo's performance on the field remained the biggest talking point for Portugal.

The veteran striker scored twice in the comfortable victory as Roberto Martinez's side secured their first win of the tournament. More importantly, the brace saw Ronaldo achieve another historic milestone in his legendary career.

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The Portugal captain became the first player ever to score in six different FIFA World Cups. He also moved past Portuguese icon Eusebio to become his country's all-time leading scorer in World Cup history.

With Portugal back on track after their opening-game setback, Cristiano Ronaldo's focus appears firmly fixed on helping his nation progress deep into the competition.