One of the players hoping to knock Cristiano Ronaldo out of the World Cup has called the Portugal captain his idol but said the five-time Ballon dOr winner is not the best footballer. Martin Baturina has started all three of his countrys matches at the finals and is preparing to face the Selecao in the last 32 on Friday, when Ronaldo will aim to add to his two goals at the tournament three behind top scorer and generational rival Lionel Messi.As children, we made that choice, Baturina said, comparing Messi and Ronaldo (via Sportske Novosti).Now you appreciate both of them, everything theyve done. Ronaldo can score from nothing. If we defend [well against] him, it will be easier. Its an honour to play against him.Table of ContentsLionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo: World Cup 2026Portugal vs Croatia: The World Cup is toughWorld Cup 2026: When is Portugal vs Croatia?Cristiano Ronaldo World Cup scheduleLionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo: World Cup 2026Ronaldo is the all-time top scorer in football but is yet to win the World Cup, with Argentinas Messi winning the title for the first time at the previous tournament in 2022.The eight-time Ballon dOr winner has smashed the record for the most World Cup goals with his blistering start to the 2026 edition, taking his total to 19 and moving nine ahead of Ronaldo, who faced particularly intense scrutiny before scoring twice on matchday two against Uzbekistan.Ronaldo is my idol, said 23-year-old Baturina, who plays for Italian side Como and marked his full debut at a major tournament with a long-range goal against England on matchday one.Hes not the best footballer now weve seen that its Messi but, for me, he was always the one whose videos I watched and hes very good.Theyre equally dear to me; you can learn something from one, something from the other.Portugal vs Croatia: The World Cup is toughBaturina faced Ronaldo in the Nations League in 2024, when Croatia lost 2-1 away and drew 1-1 at home, with Portugals captain scoring in the game in Lisbon.The meeting in Split was the only time Portugal have failed to win in the six competitive meetings between the countries.They have really good players and its not easy, said Baturina, who is considered by some to be legendary playmaker Luka Modrics successor for Croatia.You have to be 100 percent concentrated and ready, not giving anything away. We have quality and we can play against them.This is the World Cup its tough against everyone, and mentally its the same for them and us. Last time [we played Portugal], I tried pressing at Vitinha and it was very difficult, but we have to do it.Weve analysed them and will determine a plan. They will have more possession because they are good [at that, but] we have to be patient and, if they give us a chance, score a goal.World Cup 2026: When is Portugal vs Croatia?The teams play in Toronto on Friday, July 3 at 00:00 BST, which is 19:00 on Thursday ET or 16:00 on Thursday PT.The winners will face Spain or Austria, who meet in Los Angeles at 20:00 BST on Thursday, in a last-16 match in Dallas on July 6.Cristiano Ronaldo World Cup scheduleHeres the full confirmed and potential schedule for Ronaldo and Portugal at the World Cup 2026, including how to watch in the UK.Asterisk denotes match starting the following day in that territory.DateMatchResultStageTime (BST)ETPTChannelJune 17DR Congo1-1Group18:0013:0010:00BBCJune 23Uzbekistan5-0Group18:0013:0010:00ITVJune 28Colombia0-0Group00:3019:3016:30BBCJuly 3CroatiaRound of 3200:0019:00*16:00*BBCJuly 6TBCRound of 1620:0015:0012:00TBCJuly 10TBCQuarter-finals20:0015:0012:00TBCJuly 14TBCSemi-finals20:0015:0012:00TBCJuly 18TBCThird-placed match22:0017:0014:00TBCJuly 19TBCFinal20:0015:0012:00BBC, ITV Topics 2026 FIFA World Cup Cristiano Ronaldo Croatia National Football Team FIFA World Cup Lionel Messi luka modric Portugal National Football Team World Cup World Cup 2026 Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read England v DR Congo: World Cup 2026 line-ups, stats and preview, TV channel, live online stream and prediction Jon Fisher 30th June, 2026 USA v Bosnia and Herzegovina: World Cup 2026 line-ups, stats and preview, TV channel, live online stream and prediction Jon Fisher 30th June, 2026 Belgium v Senegal: World Cup 2026 line-ups, stats and preview, TV channel, live online stream and prediction Jon Fisher 30th June, 2026 Brazil forward Cunha defends World Cup provocation: Good to put him in his place Ben Miller 30th June, 2026 Mexico v Ecuador: Line-ups, where to watch, stats and preview as co-hosts seek to end fifth game wait Nicholas McGee 30th June, 2026 Van Dijk despairs after Netherlands World Cup exit: The most terrible moments for a footballer Ben Miller 30th June, 2026
