Article by Romeo Ene – Published Monday, March 30, 2026, 4:32 p.m. / Updated Monday, March 30, 2026, 4:41 p.m.
Azteca Stadium returned to activity after two yearsmarking the moment with the friendly match between Mexico and Portugal, which ended in a tie, score 0-0. The Portuguese Jose Mourinho (63 years old), the technician of Benfica, claims that the Lusitanians have a modest game in the absence of the star Cristiano Ronaldo (41 years old), not summoned due to medical problems.
It wasn't just the Mexicans who were disappointed by the game and CR7's absence, but also Jose Mourinho, who criticized the team coached by Roberto Martinez.
Jose Mourinho after Portugal struggle with Mexico in absence of leader Ronaldo: 'Don't scare anyone'
“Take out Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal look like an ordinary team. People say he shouldn't be summoned anymore. Well today he didn't play and you saw the result.
They are not a threat, they do not scare anyone, they are just a team that has been dominated by Mexico. When Ronaldo is on the field, the opponent thinks twice.
Without him, he doesn't even have to think”, were the words of the former coach from Real Madrid, currently a technician at Benfica, according to Marca.
Portugal have one more game to play in this competitive break, the friendly against the USA (played in Atlanta) on April 1.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez explained CR7's situation a few days ago: “AIt's a slight muscle injury and I think he'll be back in a week or two. Everything Cristiano has achieved this season shows that he is in excellent form“.
Ronaldo, the national team's record goalscorer with 143 goals, also missed Portugal's last game in 2025, then due to suspension.
At the World Cup, Portugal will be in Group K, along with Colombia and Uzbekistan, and will also face one of Jamaica and DR Congo, depending on what happens in the pool.
