Cristiano Ronaldo will miss Portugal’s friendly match against Mexico on March 28 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City due to an unspecified muscle injury, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) announced Friday. The absence of the star forward casts a shadow over the reopening of the iconic stadium ahead of its role as a host venue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ronaldo, along with defenders Rúben Dias and Nélson Semedo, were left off the squad for upcoming friendlies against Mexico and the United States on March 31, according to a statement released by FPF. Portugal coach Roberto Martínez downplayed the severity of Ronaldo’s injury, stating it is a “minor injury” and he expects a recovery period of “one or two weeks.”
“No, no, no, he (Cristiano Ronaldo) is not at risk,” Martínez said. “It is a muscle injury… It is not a very long period. I think that everything Cristiano has done physically during this season shows that he is in excellent condition and that there is no physical problem.”
The planned match against Mexico had been anticipated as a major event, with Ronaldo’s potential appearance driving up ticket prices. The game marks the first test of the renovated Estadio Azteca before it hosts matches during the 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
Gonçalo Guedes of Real Sociedad has been included in the squad as a replacement, returning to the national team after a period out of favor. Mateus Fernandes of West Ham United also received a call-up, while Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes was omitted for technical reasons.
The FPF had previously expressed concern over potential security issues surrounding the match, following a period of violence in Mexico after the killing of cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes in February. The federation stated it was “eagerly anticipating this match” but acknowledged the need to assess travel conditions for the delegation. However, a friendly between Mexico and Iceland went ahead as scheduled on Wednesday, suggesting a return to normalcy.
There had been speculation that Lionel Messi might also feature in a match at the Estadio Azteca in the near future, following Inter Miami’s elimination from the Concacaf Champions Cup. However, that possibility appears to have been removed from the schedule.
Portugal is grouped with Uzbekistan, Colombia, and a team to be determined from a playoff involving the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Jamaica, and New Caledonia for the 2026 World Cup. They will begin their campaign on June 17 in Houston against the winner of that playoff.
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