Ronaldo is pissed Messi scored hat-trick — CR7's ex-teammate accuses him of disrupting Portugal's plans

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has joined in the criticism of former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, arguing that the 41-year-old forward is holding the Portugal national team back and creating a tactical headache for manager Roberto Martinez. 

Scholes's submission joins swathes of similar comments questioning Ronaldo's continued inclusion following his anonymous performance during Portugal's frustrating 1-1 draw against DR Congo in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group K opener on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. 

Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Scholes revealed he even confronted Martinez off-camera regarding the issue, stating, "I think it’s difficult for the manager... I said, 'Is he a problem for you?', because I feel he is a little bit of a problem. At 41 years of age…"

"I think there’s only one position on the pitch at 41 years of age where you should be starting a game, and that’s goalkeeper, for me." 

Fellow former teammate Nicky Butt agreed, accusing Ronaldo of being selfish and having an ego that makes him a “massive problem” for the squad. 

Scholes further speculated that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner is currently feeling immense pressure after witnessing his eternal rival, 38-year-old Lionel Messi, deliver a dazzling hat-trick during Argentina's 3-0 opening victory over Algeria, alongside Kylian Mbappé netting a brace for France. 

"Cristiano will be so pissed off because Lionel Messi got a hat-trick, Kylian Mbappe got two… it will be killing him," Scholes added, before expressing sympathy for Martinez, who publicly defends his captain despite the apparent detriment to the team's play. 

Despite the swirling tactical debate and calls for him to be dropped to the bench, the veteran goalscorer is expected to retain his starting role as Portugal look to bounce back in their upcoming Group K fixtures against Uzbekistan at the Houston Stadium on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, and Colombia in Miami on Sunday, June 28, 2026.