Paul Scholes has remarked that Cristiano Ronaldo has become somewhat of a ‘problem’ for Portugal, asserting that it is inappropriate for the superstar forward to still be leading the team at the age of 41.
Ronaldo matched Lionel Messi’s record by participating in six different World Cups, captaining Portugal during their opening group-stage match against DR Congo on Wednesday.
Roberto Martinez boasts a talented squad this summer, and the 2025 Nations League champions are considered strong contenders for the prestigious trophy, alongside teams such as France, Spain, England, and the current champions, Argentina.
Although Joao Neves scored early in the sixth minute, giving Portugal a promising start, Martinez’s team was unable to take advantage of their control in Houston.
Newcastle forward, Yoane Wissa scored an equalizer against the run of play just before half-time, leaving the match tied, and Portugal could not find a winning goal, ultimately settling for a draw.
It was a forgettable evening for Ronaldo, who did not create any opportunity, take any shots, successfully dribble past an opponent, or win a single duel during a particularly disappointing first half.
Despite this, Martinez chose to keep Ronaldo on the pitch until the end of the match, substituting Pedro Neto, Vitinha, Bernardo Silva, Tomas Araujo, and Nuno Mendes instead.
‘I believe it’s challenging for the manager,’ Scholes, a former England and Manchester United midfielder, stated on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast.
‘I once had a conversation with Roberto Martinez off-camera during a Stick to Football session,
