VIDEO: Cristiano Ronaldo consoles emotional Portugal mascot in moving moment ahead of World Cup qualifier against Armenia

Ronaldo, visibly moved, leaned down to console the child, offering words of comfort and a reassuring touch. The clip went viral, hailed as another example of the Portuguese legend’s softer side.

Once the whistle blew, the emotional prelude gave way to business. Portugal tore into Armenia with ruthless efficiency, racing into a 3-0 lead inside the first half-hour. Ronaldo, of course, added his name to the scoresheet, extending his staggering international tally to 139 goals in 222 appearances. The Al-Nassr striker’s sharp finish reminded everyone that, even at 40 years old, he remains one of the deadliest forwards on the planet.

At 41 by the time next summer’s World Cup arrives, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner knows this could be his final bow on the grandest stage of all. The idea of one last tournament, and possibly facing Lionel Messi for a historic sixth World Cup appearance, adds yet another layer of intrigue to his enduring career. Should both icons play in 2026, they would become the first footballers in history to feature at six separate World Cups, a record that may never be matched.