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Fans have compared Cristiano Ronaldo to Lionel Messi following the Manchester United forward's anonymous performance for Portugal against the Czech Republic in the UEFA Nations League on June 9.
First-half strikes from Joao Cancelo and Gancalo Guedes gifted the Portuguese a 2-0 victory over the Czechs in Lisbon. Fernando Santos' side made it seven points from nine to begin their Nations League campaign. They are now atop their group, with Spain second by a gap of two points.
The Euro 2016 winners continued their good form ahead of the Qatar World Cup later this year. They were well short in both the 2018 tournament, as well as the European Championships last summer.
Cristiano Ronaldo was rested for his side's 1-1 draw with Spain in their opening game of the summer. He scored twice in four minutes against Switzerland three days later as Portugal ran out 4-0 winners.
However, following an ineffectual display against the Czech, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner was slammed online for his performance. He was also booked after 52 minutes.
Supporters took to Twitter to voice their frustration over the 37-year-old forward's performance:
Supporters once again compare Cristiano Ronaldo to Lionel Messi following international displays
In contrast to Ronaldo's quiet performance, Messi enjoyed an incredibly successful end-of-season international break with Argentina. His side secured a thumping 3-0 victory over Italy in La Finalissima at Wembley, with the Paris Saint-Germain forward dictating much of the play. He played a vital part, providing two assists.
Messi followed up his outstanding display against the European champions by scoring all five of La Albiceleste's goals as they thrashed Estonia.
The Qatar tournament later this year is almost certainly the iconic duo's final World Cup, the one major honor that has eluded both of them throughout their historic careers.
Both have played in international football's biggest tournament four times previously, with neither returning with the big prize in their bags.
Of the two, Messi came closest to winning the competition as he guided Argentina to the final of the 2014 edition in Brazil, but they ultimately lost 1-0 to Germany in the final. He did manage to win the Golden Ball in that edition.
The duo, however, are not shorn of international trophies. Ronaldo led Portugal to the Euros in 2016 which was their first ever major international trophy. Messi, on the other hand, lifted the Copa America in 2021 with Argentina.
