Former Mexico star Javier Hernandez has urged Portugal midfielders to take a cue from Lautauro Martinez’s partnership with Lionel Messi to help Cristiano Ronaldo flourish. He insisted that they must work to complement Ronaldo, rather than competing against him.
Messi and Ronaldo are leading their respective teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Argentine has been prolific at the tournament, scoring six goals in three games. However, the same cannot be said for Roanldo, who has struggled in front of goal, managing just three goals from four games.
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Hernandez was on punditry duty for Fox during Portugal’s Round of 32 clash with Croatia when he spoke about Ronaldo’s impact on the team. He noted that Portugal players seem to compete against Ronaldo instead of using his skills and experience to help the team win matches.
Chicharito called on the Portuguese midfielders to emulate Martinez, who, despite being a star at Inter Milan, plays to help Lionel Messi shine. He said:
“A great example is Lautaro Martinez in the Argentine national team. He is the star and main man for Inter Milan in Italy. Then he goes to the national team, and he has to do whatever they ask of him to do it to help Messi and the national team.
“So I hope the midfuledrs of Portugal can do that. They can realise the player they have in front. So instead of competing against him, they should use him.”
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo eye a golden farewell on the international stage
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will both look to wrap up their international career with a fairytale ending at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Having played in six editions, the duo are expected to retire from the international stage after the competition.
Ronaldo’s sister recently disclosed that the 41-year-old is set to hang his boots after the tournament. Messi, meanwhile, has hinted that this could be his last outing with La Albiceleste, with a farewell match in Argentina taking place during the World Cup qualifier in September.
The Inter Mimai superstar is chasing consecutive World Cup wins, which will make him the first captain to do so in the competition’s history. Ronaldo, meanwhile, will hope to guide A Selecao to their maiden World Cup triumph.
Edited by Okenna Okere