World Cup: What Cristiano Ronaldo told Luka Modric after Croatia’s defeat to Portugal

Portugal captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, has shared his conversation with his fellow veteran, Luka Modric after his team achieved a 2-1 victory over Croatia in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Portugal staged a comeback against Zlatko Dalić’s team to secure advancement to the Round of 16.

Veteran Croatian star, Ivan Perisic put the 2018 FIFA World Cup finalists ahead in the 53rd minute.

Ronaldo equalized for Portugal from the penalty spot in the 68th minute, marking his first-ever goal in the knockout stages of the World Cup.

Substitute, Goncalo Ramos clinched the win for the Selecao with a remarkable header in the 94th minute.

Croatia believed they had equalized to force extra time, but Josko Gvardiol’s strike in the 103rd minute was disallowed for offside.

Ronaldo who was seen talking to Modric after the game, said he congratulated his former Real Madrid teammate for still playing at the highest level of football.

Ronaldo said as quoted by Fabricio Romano, “I played many years with Modrić, it’s great to see him still playing at top level.

“I told him: congrats Luka, good luck for the future of your career”.