The news of Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence from Portugal’s March FIFA doubleheader has saddened thousands of Mexican fans who were hoping to see the 41-year-old Portuguese star in action on home soil.
Everything was set for Portugal’s captain to play against Mexico on March 28 at Estadio Banorte and against the USMNT on March 31 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, but a hamstring injury got in the way, and he will not be traveling with the team. In light of this situation, Bruno Fernandes empathized with his fans.
Fernandes shares his thoughts on CR7’s absence
Cristiano will not play in his country’s only matches before what will be his sixth and final World Cup, as he recovers from a hamstring injury sustained during Al Nassr’s match against AlFayha (3-1) on February 28, where he had to be substituted.
For this reason, the Portuguese national team’s coaching staff and the Saudi club have decided not to risk the Portuguese star playing in these matches and to prioritize his recovery.
This has caused disappointment and sadness among Mexican fans who were eagerly awaiting his appearance at the Azteca Stadium (Banorte Stadium) following its renovation for the 2026 World Cup. However, the Manchester United midfielder sent a warm message, commenting on the match:
“I know that the people there wanted to see Cristiano because he is obviously the main figure of our national team and of soccer. I’m really sorry they won’t be able to see him up close, but obviously it’s going to be a very good match between two very good teams,” Bruno said in an interview with TNT Sports (via Bolavip).
In addition, Fernandes also highlighted how special this match will be and expressed his excitement about being part of the re-opening of Azteca Stadium, which will become the first stadium to host three World Cups: “We’re really looking forward to playing in that legendary stadium. For us, it’s going to be a great trip to get to know the country and the climate, where we might end up playing later in the World Cup,” he added.
According to various reports, Cristiano’s recovery time from the injury is expected to be between three and four weeks from the onset, so it is estimated that he could return to the field around April 3, directly for Al Nassr’s match against Al-Najma SC.
Personally, the injury also temporarily halts his quest to reach 1,000 official career goals, leaving the tally at 965.
With nearly 80 days to go before the World Cup kicks off, only time will tell when we’ll see the Portuguese star back on the field.
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