Cristiano Ronaldo has dismissed repeated questions about rival Lionel Messi, declaring he “could not care less about others” before highlighting Kylian Mbappe’s scoring form and walking away.
After scoring two goals against Uzbekistan on Tuesday, June 23, Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo was in no mood to talk about Lionel Messi.
“Yesterday,” a reporter began asking in the post-game mixed zone, “Lionel Messi scored two goals, [Kylian] Mbappe…” but Ronaldo spun his head to the other side and said, “Vale (Go on),” to take another question from a different reporter
During his chat with the media, Ronaldo was asked by another reporter if they could pose a question, prompting a playful reply. “That depends on the question, otherwise I won’t answer you,” he said jokingly.
I don’t know how to answer. It’s a question that doesn’t make much sense,” Ronaldo said. “But, well, it would be top.”
As Ronaldo was about to leave the mixed zone, another reporter began to ask him a question about Messi. The Portuguese icon, however, wasn’t pleased.
“I could NOT CARE LESS about others,” Ronaldo replied firmly.
He then added, referencing the French striker: “Mbappe has also scored!” before leaving the scene.
VIDEO: Cristiano #Ronaldo has dismissed repeated questions about rival Lionel #Messi, declaring he “could not care less about others” before highlighting Kylian #Mbappe’s scoring form and walking away. pic.twitter.com/mmuFMgBN5k
— Angel Network News (@angelnetnews) June 24, 2026
It was an emphatic response to critics of the 41-year-old, many of whom said he should not be starting after a subpar display in Portugal’s opening-game tie with DR Congo
Ronaldo became the first man to score in six World Cups with a first-half strike in Houston, then added another goal later in the first half as Portugal cruised to a 5-0 win.
The comments come as Ronaldo continues to focus on his performances with and Portugal, while the football community often draws parallels between him and Messi, who now plays for Inter Miami.
