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Paul Scholes has openly stated that Cristiano Ronaldo has become a “problem” for Portugal following their disappointing World Cup draw against DR Congo. The Manchester United legend further suggested that his former teammate would be “so pissed off” watching his long-time rival Lionel Messi bag a hat-trick in Argentina’s opening match against Algeria.

Scholes raises concerns about Ronaldo’s role

Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup campaign began on a shaky note in Houston, where Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by a determined DR Congo side. Joao Neves put Portugal ahead early, but Roberto Martinez’s men were pegged back by a Yoane Wissa equaliser and could not find a winner. The result left five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo at the centre of a growing tactical debate.

Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Scholes was candid in his evaluation of the 41-year-old’s contribution. “I think it’s difficult for the manager,” Scholes admitted. “I did a Stick to Football with Roberto Martinez and asked him off-camera, ‘Is he a problem for you?’ because I feel he is a bit of a problem. At 41 years old… I think there’s only one position on the pitch where you can start at that age, and that’s goalkeeper, for me.”

Messi and Mbappe’s influence

Scholes believes Ronaldo’s frustration has been magnified by the impressive form of his long-time rivals. While the Al-Nassr striker failed to register a shot or win a single duel in the first half against DR Congo, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe have already made explosive starts to their campaigns — Messi with a hat-trick and Mbappe with a brace in their respective opening matches.

According to Scholes, those performances will not have gone unnoticed by Ronaldo. “Cristiano will be so pissed off because Lionel Messi got a hat-trick, Kylian Mbappe got two… it’ll be killing him,” the former England midfielder remarked. “I feel sorry for Martinez because he’s trying to embrace it and saying, ‘No, I’ve got the best goalscorer in the world,’ but deep down he must know it’s hurting his team.”

A tactical drawback at 41

Scholes emphasised that Portugal’s struggle lies in trying to play a high-tempo, transitional brand of football with a 41-year-old forward leading the line. He argued that the intensity of modern international football makes it unrealistic for Ronaldo to sustain that level across 90 minutes, especially given Portugal’s wealth of younger attacking options.

“He will score goals in a possession-based team, but in transition games, his movement at 41 is an issue,” Scholes added. “Portugal don’t have a top-class centre-forward, but you need someone who runs. For me, he should come on for the last 15 minutes. Maybe at 41 you can get away with being a centre-half or a goalkeeper, but as a centre-forward, it’s just not right.”

Martinez continues to back his captain

Despite the criticism, Roberto Martinez has shown no indication of dropping his captain for Portugal’s upcoming group fixture against Uzbekistan. The former Everton boss defended his decision to keep Ronaldo on for the entire match against DR Congo, highlighting the veteran’s unmatched finishing ability as the key reason for his continued selection.

“The main striker must stay close to the six-yard box, and we need to get the ball to him,” Martinez explained. “It makes no sense to take off the best goalscorer in world football when you need goals. In moments like this, Cristiano’s experience inside the box is vital. The way he draws defenders is important; the way we exploit that space is important. And when you’re looking for goals, you need Cristiano.”