Cristiano Ronaldo had an excellent answer to Germany fans shouting Lionel Messi’s name at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday night. Despite the fact that both parts of football’s greatest duopoly are now playing outside of Europe and thus out of the Ballon d’Or conversation, the rivalry follows them wherever they go.
Fans still remember the glory days of El Clasico, when Ronaldo and Messi represented Real Madrid and Barcelona, respectively. Ronaldo has regularly heard Messi’s name ring out in stadiums since joining Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, but he didn’t seem rattled this time. Instead, he let his game do the talking, as Portugal came from behind to defeat Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany 2-1 and go to the Nations League final.
The final will be contested at the same venue on June 8, with Ronaldo just one step away from claiming the trophy for the second time, having previously won the inaugural edition in 2019. He will face either Spain or France in the second semi-final, which takes place on Thursday.
Ronaldo’s Reaction To Messi Chants During Nations League
The Portuguese icon had the coldest response
On Wednesday night, German fans may have taunted Ronaldo prematurely. After Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz opened the scoring with a smart one-two and a deft header past Manuel Neuer, the Allianz Arena appeared to try to get under the 40-year-old’s skin as much as they were celebrating their team’s victory.
It all backfired in the second half, as quick goals from Francisco Conceicao and Ronaldo sealed a comeback victory with time to spare. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star was spotted joining in on the chanting before quieting the Germans. Watch this moment below:
Cristiano Ronaldo’s match statistics against Germany.
Minutes played
89
Goals
1
Shots on target.
2/3
Accurate passes.
13/15 (87%)
Big opportunities created.
1
Big chances missed.
3
Ground duels won.
2/4
Interceptions
1
Ronaldo’s goal was his 137th for Portugal, solidifying his position as international football’s all-time leading goalscorer. Surprisingly, 85 of those goals have come since he reached 30, more than the entire career tallies of the all-time top scorers for England, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Brazil.
While his international performance shows no signs of fading, his club future is unknown. Ronaldo has hinted at leaving Al-Nassr, with Manchester United, Sporting, and many MLS clubs apparently interested, as well as several Club World Cup participants.
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