'Play Him Like Argentina Play Messi'? Portuguese Fans Urge Youngsters To 'Respect Ronaldo'
'Play Him Like Argentina Play Messi'? Portuguese Fans Urge Youngsters To 'Respect Ronaldo' Published By, Last Updated: June 20, 2026, 00:05 IST Neves' remarks caused
'Play Him Like Argentina Play Messi'? Portuguese Fans Urge Youngsters To 'Respect Ronaldo' Published By, Last Updated: June 20, 2026, 00:05 IST Neves' remarks caused an uproar with fans calling for the youngster to 'Respect Cristiano' in recognition of what he has done for the national side over the years. Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes, left, react at the the end of the World Cup Group K soccer match between Portugal and Congo in Houston, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis) Joao Neves’ comments on Cristiano Ronaldo did not go down well with fans of the former Ballon d’Or winner, who called for more respect for the seasoned player from the young Portuguese unit at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Neves’ remarks caused an uproar with fans calling for the youngster to ‘Respect Cristiano’ in recognition of what he has done for the national side over the years. 🇵🇹🗣️ João Neves:“We know what Cristiano has done for us, for our national team, and for the world of football. But at this moment, he and we know that he is no different. He is just another player here to help. He is no different from the others. He is here to contribute,… — The Nassr Tribune™️ (@AlNassrTribune) June 18, 2026 “We know what Cristiano has done for us, for our national team, and for the world of football.
“But at this moment, he and we know that he is no different. He is just another player here to help. “He is no different from the others.He is here to contribute, just like all of us," Neves had said. Man United superstar’ Bruno Fernandes reacted to his international teammate’s words, courting some criticism his way, as did Vitinha and Pedro Neto, who were called on to pass the ball to Ronaldo more and treat him like Argentine payers treat Lionel Messi. Regrettably, the situation went beyond the field as Joao Neves’ partner also received messages asking her to convince her boyfriend to respect Cristiano Ronaldo.
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