Katia Aveiro, Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister, has described the World Cup as “the worst ever” after Argentina defeated France in a captivating final.
Lionel Messi broke a number of records in the final as the superstar won the World Cup in his final game in the tournament, having previously ruled himself out of the 2026 version.
The former Barcelona star missed out on the Golden Boot to Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappe – whose hat-trick took the match all the way to penalties.
It is likely to be remembered as the greatest World Cup final of all time due to the high level of drama; France netting twice in a minute to take it to extra-time, Messi and Mbappe produced superb displays, three penalties being awarded, and the game being decided on a shootout.
So much of Messi’s career at the top level has been intertwined with Ronaldo, but the Portuguese star endured a tough tournament. His nation were beaten 1-0 by Morocco in the quarter-final in Qatar.
Ronaldo went straight down the tunnel in tears after missing out on the opportunity to add the only major honour missing from his CV. The striker will be aged 41 by the time of the next World Cup.
Katia Aveiro wrote on her Instagram account after Sunday’s final: “The worst World Cup of all time… that thankfully gave us a great final. What a match. Congratulations to Argentina.”
She added, in what appeared to be a pointed blank of Messi’s achievement: “Kylian Mbappe. This boy is unreal. What a bright future awaits you. Incredible.”
Ronaldo’s future at club and international level is now uncertain as he now focuses on finding a new club ahead of the January transfer window. He now appears to be ar the apex of his career after falling out of favour under former Portugal manager Fernando Santos.
The striker was dropped from the line-up for Portugal’s Round of 16 6-1 demolition of Switzerland, with his replacement Goncalo Ramos scoring a hat-trick.
Ramos was again preferred over Ronaldo in the loss to Morocco, with the former United striker coming on in the second half in both matches.
