2026 World Cup: Ronaldo under pressure against DR Congo after Messi’s hat-trick

Portugal captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, will lead his team out against DR Congo in their 2026 World Cup opener on Wednesday, knowing that his eternal rival Lionel Messi has already made his mark at the tournament.

Messi netted a stunning hat-trick as Argentina began the defence of their title with a 3-0 win over Algeria.

It was the 38-year-old’s first World Cup hat-trick and he replaced Ronaldo as the oldest player to achieve the feat.

Ronaldo was 33 years and 122 days old when he scored a hat-trick against Spain in 2018.

Against the Congolese national team, Ronaldo will take to the pitch at 41 years, desperate to lead Portugal to glory.

The Al Nassr superstar would also be eager to score at what would be at his fifth World Cup.