“Messi, Messi” chants follow Cristiano Ronaldo after Portugal’s shock draw against DR Congo

Cristiano Ronaldo. Image via: Getty Images Cristiano Ronaldo endured a frustrating start to his 2026 World Cup campaign and extended his goal drought for Portugal in a disappointing outing. To make matters worse, DRC fans taunted the Portugal star by chanting Lionel Messi’s name after Portugal’s 1-1 draw in their Group K opener in Houston on Wednesday.Ronaldo had a frustrating night against a disciplined Congolese defence. The 41-year-old played the full 90 minutes but struggled to influence the game, managing just 25 touches and failing to register a single shot on goal.As Ronaldo walked towards the tunnel after the final whistle, sections of the DR Congo supporters loudly chanted “Messi, Messi, Messi.” Videos circulating on social media showed the Portuguese star keeping his cool despite the taunts. Ronaldo responded with a smile, applauded the crowd and calmly left for the dressing room.The chants came just a day after Lionel Messi produced a sensational performance for Argentina, scoring a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Algeria in Group J. Player Team match Result GoalsLionel MessiArgentina Win 3:0 vs Algeria3 (hat trick)Cristiano RonaldoPortugalDrew 1:1 vs DR Congo0

Yoane Wiss’ goal grabbed DR Congo’s draw against Portugal

Portugal suffered a shock 1-1 draw at the hands of DR Congo in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group K opener at NRG Stadium in Houston. João Neves gave Portugal an early lead in the sixth minute and Roberto Martínez’s side dominated possession for most of the match but failed to convert their control into goals.DR Congo hit back just before half-time when Yoane Wissa headed home Arthur Masuaku’s corner in stoppage time. Portugal thought they had regained the lead with a spectacular header from João Cancelo, but VAR ruled it out for offside. Cristiano Ronaldo also survived a frustrating evening, missing two chances from close range and not registering a shot on goal.As the match wore on, DR Congo looked increasingly dangerous on the counter-attack, forcing the Portuguese defenders into desperate fouls. The African side eventually secured their first ever World Cup point, while Portugal were left disappointed after failing to capitalize on their dominance.