Portugal vs Congo: Messi’s Hat-Trick vs Ronaldo’s 0 Effective Shots – A Shock Draw in World Cup Clash

Portugal drew 1-1 with Congo in a Group A match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Lionel Messi scoring a hat-trick for Argentina and Cristiano Ronaldo recording zero shots on target, according to multiple South Korean media reports. The result, confirmed by sources including Chosun Ilbo, Kyunghyang Shinmun, and Yonhap News, marked a disappointing performance for Portugal’s star striker, who left the field before the final whistle.

Messi’s Hat-Trick Contrasts with Ronaldo’s Struggles

Messi’s three-goal performance for Argentina in a separate match against Congo was highlighted as a stark contrast to Ronaldo’s 90-minute display, during which he registered no shots on target, according to Yonhap News. The 38-year-old forward, who has been a central figure in Portugal’s national team for over two decades, was visibly frustrated, with reports stating he exited the pitch before the match concluded. Kyunghyang Shinmun cited unnamed sources within the Portuguese football federation suggesting Ronaldo’s early departure was “a reflection of his dissatisfaction with his performance.”

The draw left Portugal with one point from their opening group stage match, placing them behind Congo in the standings. The result sparked criticism from within the team, with one unnamed coach questioning the decision to keep Ronaldo on the field despite his lack of impact. “If he needs a goal, why take him out?” the source told Yonhap News, a comment that was later echoed in Kyunghyang Shinmun’s analysis of the match.

Ronaldo’s Performance Draws Harsh Criticism

Ronaldo’s performance drew significant scrutiny, with Kyunghyang Shinmun quoting a fan survey indicating that “at least 16 players on the pitch deserved more applause than Ronaldo.” The article noted that Ronaldo’s failure to register a shot on target was a rare occurrence in his career, with only three such instances recorded in his 196 international appearances. The newspaper also cited a post-match interview with Portugal’s head coach, who defended his decision to keep Ronaldo on the field. “We needed a goal, and he’s the most experienced player,” the coach said, according to Kyunghyang Shinmun.

Despite the criticism, Ronaldo’s teammates reportedly praised his work rate, with midfielder João Félix telling YTN that “Cristiano gave everything, but the ball just wouldn’t go in.” The 26-year-old Félix, who scored Portugal’s lone goal in the match, added that the team would need to “improve defensively” in their next game against Mexico.

Messi’s Impact on the Tournament

Messi’s hat-trick for Argentina against Congo was described as a “dominating display” by Chosun Ilbo, which noted that the 35-year-old forward now leads the tournament in goals with four. The article cited Argentina’s head coach, Lionel Scaloni, who praised Messi’s “unselfish playmaking” and emphasized the importance of his leadership. “Lionel is the heartbeat of this team,” Scaloni said, according to Chosun Ilbo. “His ability to create opportunities for others is what makes him special.”

The match also highlighted the growing influence of younger players in Argentina’s squad. Forward Julián Álvarez, who assisted Messi’s second goal, was lauded for his “clinical finishing” by KBS News. The 23-year-old’s performance has raised questions about the future role of veteran players like Messi in the team, though Scaloni dismissed such speculation. “We’re focused on the present,” he said. “Messi’s still the best in the world.”

Tournament Implications and Next Matches

The draw for Portugal and the win for Argentina set the stage for a tightly contested Group A, with both teams needing to secure victories in their upcoming matches to advance. Portugal’s next game against Mexico will be crucial, with Kyunghyang Shinmun citing a sports analyst who said, “Portugal’s defense has to improve. They can’t rely on Ronaldo alone.”

For Argentina