WATCH: Cristiano Ronaldo shares heartfelt moment with young mascot before Portugal’s qualifier against Armenia
Cristiano Ronaldo comforts a young mascot before Portugal's qualifier vs Armenia and later went on to score twice in a dominant 5-0 win.
New Delhi: The World Cup qualifier between Portugal and Armenia began with a moment that melted the hearts around the globe. The Portugal skipper, who is often celebrated for his goals and trophies, showed a softer side when he comforted a young Portugal mascot who was overcome with emotion before kickoff.
As the players lined up, one little boy burst into tears just before the national anthem. Ronaldo quickly placed a hand on his shoulder and offered gentle words of comfort. The touching scene spread quickly online with fans praising the five-time Ballon d’Or winner for his humanity as much as his football.
Portugal thrashed Armenia 5-0
Portugal made it look easy as they brushed past Armenia with a commanding 5-0 victory that underlined their dominance in Group F. The tone was set early with Joao Felix heading home in the 10th minute to open the scoring. Cristiano Ronaldo quickly followed, finding the net in the 21st minute to double the lead and put the hosts on the back foot.
Joao Cancelo piled on further misery for Armenia with a powerful strike in the 32nd minute giving Portugal a three-goal cushion before halftime. Just after the restart, Ronaldo was at it again, pouncing on a loose ball and smashing in his second of the night to make it four. Felix then completed the rout with his second goal in the 61st minute, capping off a ruthless team performance.
At 40, Ronaldo showed no signs of slowing down, taking his international tally to 139 goals in 222 appearances.
One last World Cup chapter?
More than the goals and viral moments the question that lingers the most is about Ronaldo's future. By the time the 2026 World Cup arrives in the United States, Mexico and Canada next year he will be 41. Though many believe that will mark his last international appearance for Portugal but that is still a long way to go.
If Ronaldo does make it, he could etch his name into history books once again. Alongside his arch-rival Lionel Messi, he also has the chance to become the first player ever to appear in six different World Cups. It would be a milestone almost unimaginable, and one that may never be matched.
Though for now, he continues to defy age on the field and with his humanity, leaving a mark on everyone's heart. On a night where Portugal surged in their qualifying fixture, it was his kindness that stole the spotlight before he scored a brace.