2026 World Cup: Ronaldo under pressure against DR Congo after Messi's hat-trick

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, aged 41, leads his team against DR Congo in the 2026 World Cup opener, under pressure after Lionel Messi scored a stunning hat-trick for Argentina in a 3-0 win over Algeria. Messi's first World Cup hat-trick made him the oldest player to achieve the feat, surpassing Ronaldo, who was 33 in 2018. Ronaldo, playing in his fifth World Cup, is eager to score and lead Portugal to glory.