Cristiano Ronaldo he was happy to talk about the record, the criticism and the strong response of Portugal against Uzbekistan. He was not really interested when the conversation turned to Lionel Messi.The Portugal manager produced one of the most memorable performances of the World Cup on Tuesday night, scoring twice in a 5-0 win over Uzbekistan that vaulted Portugal into Group K and added more to his impressive career.After a difficult opening game against DR Congo, where Portugal was held 1-1 and Ronaldo was criticized for failing to convert big chances, the 41-year-old responded with a record-breaking display in Houston.His first goal came six minutes later when he slotted past João Cancelo’s goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov, becoming the first player in football history to score in six World Cups.His second, scored shortly after Bruno Fernandes’ cross, took him to Portugal’s 10th World Cup goal and allowed him to surpass Eusébio’s record of nine since 1966.After the match, Ronaldo looked relaxed and happy.When he saw the television camera, he shouted “I’m back”, a message that seemed aimed at those who questioned his form and Portugal’s hopes after the opening game.Speaking afterwards, Ronaldo admitted that the past week had not been easy.“It was a difficult, dark week. It seemed like I had already given up on football. But I held on, as I always do, because I believe in work more than anything else.”When asked about his “I’m here” comment, Ronaldo added: “Yes, so people don’t forget.”Speaking about his performance, the star said: “They said I should take a break… but I’m here.“The noise from outside is always like this, but we can’t stop it. We continue and we are united. “The former midfielder said the review will continue with his performance against DR Congo, with reports spreading about tensions within the Portuguese camp.“I knew my friends were helping me too. It was difficult, I have to admit, but we’re back. I’m very happy.”Ronaldo was also asked about becoming the first player to score six goals at World Cups, a record that adds to his already impressive list of achievements that include being the world’s leading goalscorer.“Records are always good to break, but my goal is to help the national team achieve its goals. The most important thing was the team work and the confidence we had.”At 41 years and 138 days, Ronaldo is now the second-oldest goalscorer in World Cup history, behind only Roger Milla, and the oldest player to start a World Cup. His latest appearance also marked his sixth World Cup, where he scored in every magazine, the Guinness World Record as the first player in football history to feature in six FIFA World Cups.However, opinions changed when a journalist tried to ask about Messi.During a different interview, a Spanish-speaking reporter started to answer a question about Messi’s recent World Cup performance and appeared to want to mention the Argentina captain and Kylian Mbappé before Ronaldo finished the exchange.Instead of letting the question continue, Ronaldo turned around, pointed at another reporter and asked them to ask their question.The reporter did not finish.Then, when a reporter asked him if he could ask a question, Ronaldo answered bluntly.“It depends on the question, otherwise I’m not answering.”Messi, who turns 39 on Wednesday, entered the day as the scorer with five goals in two games and recently became the top scorer in men’s World Cup history. However, Ronaldo was not happy to talk to his long-time rival that night in Portugal.The only time he briefly expressed interest in the matter came when he was asked about the possibility of facing Argentina later in the game.“I don’t know what to answer. It’s a very vague question. But, well, it would be at the top.”Meanwhile, Ronaldo’s thoughts are still on the Portugal tour itself.Uzbekistan’s win gave Roberto MartÃnez’s team four points and left them in a strong position ahead of their Group K final meeting with Colombia. If Portugal wins, they will secure top spot in the group and advance to the knockout stage.After what Ronaldo called a “dark week”, the conversation he seemed to be interested in was not about Messi, Mbappé or any other opponent. It was about Portugal’s response, and his reminder that he can make the biggest competition in football.