Cristiano Ronaldo was left on the bench as Portugal secured a 2-1 victory over Norway in the UEFA Nations League, while Lionel Messi continued his remarkable set-piece record by scoring his 76th career free-kick for Inter Miami.
Ronaldo was named among Portugal’s substitutes for Sunday’s match in Oslo but did not enter the game, despite being fit and available for selection.
Portugal manager Jorge Jesus explained after the match that the decision was tactical rather than related to Ronaldo’s fitness.
Jesus said he had initially considered bringing the 41-year-old forward into the game for about 30 minutes, but the circumstances of the match changed his plans. The coach also stressed that Ronaldo was physically ready to play.
Portugal eventually secured all three points through goals from João Félix and Gonçalo Ramos. Norway’s Erling Haaland scored shortly after half-time, but Ramos restored Portugal’s advantage three minutes later after capitalising on a mistake by goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland.
The victory maintained Portugal’s perfect start to their Nations League campaign and ended Norway’s long unbeaten run at home.
Jesus has indicated that Ronaldo could return to the starting lineup when Portugal face Denmark in their next Nations League fixture, meaning the veteran captain remains firmly involved in the team’s plans.
Messi Moves Within Two of Free-Kick Record
Across the Atlantic, Lionel Messi produced another memorable free-kick for Inter Miami, although his individual brilliance could not prevent the club from suffering a 2-1 defeat to Columbus Crew.
Messi struck in the 33rd minute from a difficult position near the right side of the penalty area. Instead of delivering a cross, the Argentine curled the ball over the wall and into the far top corner to make it 1-1.
The goal was Messi’s 76th direct free-kick goal in his senior career, moving him to within two of the widely credited all-time record of 78 held by Brazilian great Marcelinho Carioca.
Messi’s goal was also his 21st in the 2026 MLS regular season. However, Inter Miami were denied a point when Columbus scored deep into stoppage time to secure a 2-1 victory.
The latest achievements underline the continued influence of two of football’s most recognisable stars. Ronaldo remains an important figure for Portugal as the Nations League campaign develops, while Messi continues to add to his extraordinary goalscoring record at club level.
With both players still producing headline moments well into the latter stages of their careers, their performances remain a major talking point for football fans around the world.