Cristiano Ronaldo reacts to Felipe Melo’s Portugal team critique
In a column for Athlon Sports on October 3, 2026, former Brazilian international Felipe Melo argues that Portugal’s players fail to respect Cristiano Ronaldo in the manner that Argentina’s squad supports Lionel Messi—an online critique that Ronaldo himself endorsed with a social media “like.”
A Digital Endorsement Amid Camp Turmoil
The online interaction follows Ronaldo’s sudden departure from the Portugal training camp amid a dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus. Melo stated that none of the current Portugal players come close to Cristiano, contrasting the atmosphere surrounding the veteran striker with the cohesion seen in the reigning world champions. Before making a statement, Ronaldo reacted on Instagram.
Ronaldo Leaves Camp After Meeting Federation Officials
The controversy intensified after Ronaldo was dropped from the starting lineup against Denmark following a late substitute appearance against Norway. Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença and head coach Jorge Jesus met with the player before his departure. Ronaldo stated he would explain his reasons in due course, while the federation confirmed he left the camp. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Weighing International Retirement After World Cup Exit
Speaking ahead of the UEFA Nations League group phase matches against Wales, Denmark, and Norway, the 41-year-old forward confirmed he ultimately chose to continue. Ronaldo has scored 146 goals in 233 appearances for Portugal and remains active with Al-Nassr. You see me here, so I decided to continue,
Ronaldo said at a press conference. I still believe that I’m able to help the national team to reach what they want.
Chasing the Thousand-Goal Milestone
He acknowledged that reaching the milestone would be a notable achievement but stressed he is not obsessed with the target. Head coach Jorge Jesus confirmed Ronaldo would start in the match against Wales, describing the veteran forward as a symbol of Portuguese football. Ronaldo acknowledged reaching 1,000 career goals was a target but said it is not an obsession. I am used to it, I have been doing this for more than 20 years, I’m quite used to it. What I can’t, I won’t,
he noted. The Al-Nassr forward, who has scored 146 goals in 233 games for Portugal, was questioned about his desire to reach the 1,000 career goal mark. Ronaldo, who is 21 goals short of the staggering milestone, declared that while it was a target he was not obsessed by it. It would be the cherry on the top of the cake to score my 1,000th goal with the national team,
he stated.
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