Ronaldo exits final World Cup; Spain eliminate Portugal
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- Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed Monday's 1-0 round-of-16 loss to Spain was his final World Cup, telling reporters he leaves "with a clear conscience" after wiping tears from his eyes at the final whistle in Arlington, Texas.
- Spain's Mikel Merino scored the only goal in the first minute of second-half stoppage time, ending Ronaldo's tournament and sending Spain to the quarterfinals at the expense of their Iberian rivals.
- Ronaldo finishes his World Cup career with 27 appearances (second only to Messi's 30), 146 international goals, and 233 caps — but never advanced past the 2006 semifinals in his tournament debut.
- Ronaldo is the only player to score in six World Cups and netted three goals at this tournament, though he managed few chances against Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón, who extended his record to 609 minutes without conceding.
- Portugal coach Roberto Martínez called Ronaldo "an exemplary captain" and "an icon in football," defending his decision to keep the 41-year-old on for all 90 minutes rather than substitute on Gonçalo Ramos.
- Ronaldo won three major titles with Portugal — the 2016 European Championship and two UEFA Nations League crowns — calling the Euros triumph "on the same level as a World Cup."
Why it matters: Ronaldo exits with 146 international goals, 233 caps, and the record for scoring in six World Cups — but never past the 2006 semifinals, the lone gap in a career built on three major trophies with Portugal. Spain gains a quarterfinal berth and extends goalkeeper Unai Simón's World Cup clean-sheet record to 609 minutes.
