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- Portugal takes on Mexico in a friendly before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Cristiano Ronaldo will be sidelined from the fixture.
Why is Cristiano Ronaldo Not Playing in Mexico vs Portugal Today?
Summary
With the FIFA World Cup 2026 ever so near, Portugal is playing high-profile friendlies to be in the best shape possible. They visit Mexico for a friendly on Saturday. Portugal's visit is a cause for euphoria as they bring the greatest of all time for many, Cristiano Ronaldo. However, the crowd at the Estadio Benorte will be disappointed to find Cristiano Ronaldo will not be among the Portuguese stars lining up on Saturday. Find out why Cristiano Ronaldo is not playing in Mexico vs Portugal Today?
Is Cristiano Ronaldo Not Playing in Mexico vs Portugal Today?
Much to the disappointment of the millions of Ronaldo fans in the world, the 41-year-old will not be playing due to an injury. The Al-Nassr forward picked up an injury recently, and that has prevented him from taking part in the international friendly. On February 28, Ronaldo was substituted against Al Fayha in the 81st minute, and it was revealed that he had picked up an injury.
The official statement from the club read, "Cristiano Ronaldo has been diagnosed with a hamstring injury after the last game against Al Fayha. He started a rehabilitation program and will be under evaluation day by day."
Ronaldo travelled to Spain for rehabilitation and has missed out on any action since.
Al Nassr played three games since the injury, and he missed all those games. As Roberto Martinez named his squad for the friendlies against Mexico and the United States, he took Ronaldo's injury into account. Revealing that Ronaldo was fine, Martinez declared that he might be back in a week or two. “No, he's not in danger. It's a minor muscle injury, and we think he can be back in a week or two. Everything Cristiano Ronaldo has done physically this season shows that he's in great shape,” Martinez added.
The timeline is great news for Ronaldo as he can return in time for the business end of the season.
Will Cristiano Ronaldo Play at the FIFA World Cup?
The recent injury revealed Ronaldo is human after all. The Real Madrid legend was an epitome of fitness during his prime, but Father Time is catching up with him as well. Having turned 41 recently, he is managing his minutes and fitness. Ronaldo's dream of winning the World Cup is still alive. However, his role could be completely different in the summer tournament.
When asked if Ronaldo would be a starter in January, Martinz was honest in his assessment.
“What happens around Cristiano is a historical aspect. He's a world football icon, but that doesn't condition or limit our work. Cristiano is very calm and very focused on the day-to-day, and that's a simple formula. When Cristiano Ronaldo is doing well, it's very important for the national team.”
He also noted how even Ronaldo's spot is subject to competition.
"The door to the national team is always open, but the competitiveness makes it very difficult to get in. But, at the moment, we think we need a third striker and that this will be an important position for the World Cup."
Ronaldo will certainly be involved at the World Cup, but his position as a starter or a super-sub will be subject to the decision of the coach.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cristiano Ronaldo injured?
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Is Cristiano Ronaldo injured?
Cristiano Ronaldo is injured and is missing out on the Mexico vs Portugal friendly.
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Edited by- Mohit Tomar
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