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Cristiano Ronaldo has brushed aside the disappointment of never winning a World Cup in his illustrious career, emphasising that his Euro 2016 victory with Portugal remains “just as significant”.

The Portuguese captain confirmed that he had played his final minutes at the World Cup following Portugal’s round-of-16 defeat to Spain on Monday, a match decided by a stoppage-time goal from Mikel Merino.

The World Cup stands as the only major trophy missing from Ronaldo’s collection. Now, at 41 and after six attempts, the veteran forward finds himself accepting that international football’s most coveted prize will elude him.

This absence will likely continue to distinguish Lionel Messi from him in the long-running debate over football’s greatest player, particularly after the Argentine’s triumph at the Qatar 2022 World Cup, which many believe gave Messi the upper hand.

Ronaldo was visibly emotional at the final whistle, shedding tears as he applauded and waved to Portugal’s supporters inside the stadium.

However, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner firmly stated that not having a World Cup winner’s medal does not diminish his career, pointing instead to the European Championship triumph in 2016 as equally momentous.

“I’ve won three titles for Portugal; before Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal hadn’t won a single title,” he said. “The biggest title the national team has ever won was in 2016, the European Championship, which, to be honest, is just as significant to me as a World Cup.”

He added, “I leave with a clear conscience, having given my best for Portugal. Tomorrow will be a new day, and life will go on.”

After the match, Ronaldo’s emotions were on full display as he acknowledged the fans, clearly moved by the moment. He had previously announced that this would be his final World Cup and reaffirmed that stance in his post-match comments, though he stopped short of confirming his total retirement from international football.

“I’m sad to be leaving the World Cup like this,” he said. “I gave it my all. I did my best and I’m leaving with a clear conscience. It was my last World Cup, yes, but I’ll now have time to reflect and be with my family. I won’t be making any rash decisions.”

Ronaldo remains the most decorated player in international football history, boasting 146 goals in 233 appearances for Portugal—an unparalleled record that underscores his enduring impact on the global stage.