Following Portugal’s FIFA World Cup draw and the lead-up to the group stage match against DR Congo, Cristiano Ronaldo faces public criticism in some quarters, with commentators urging him to step down. NDTV reports that critics frame Ronaldo’s continued involvement as a negative for Portugal, describing him as a “hindrance” and saying he will never match Lionel Messi’s international achievements. The remarks are presented in the context of broader World Cup attention, including Lionel Messi’s recent performance in a separate Group C match where he scored a hat-trick for Argentina against Algeria. The criticism focuses on Ronaldo’s perceived impact on Portugal’s prospects rather than on changes to Portugal’s qualification or coaching decisions. No alternative plan for Ronaldo’s role is outlined in the reports provided, and the coverage centers on calls directed at Ronaldo himself. The reports do not indicate official statements from Portugal or from Ronaldo responding to the criticism.