Qatar 2022: People made sure Messi succeeded, Ronaldo was cut off – Neville

Ex-Manchester United defender, Gary Neville has said players and coaches of Argentina rallied around to ensure Lionel Messi had a great World Cup.

However, for Cristiano Ronaldo, Neville feels Portugal did not play to his strengths.

Ronaldo was introduced from the bench as Portugal lost 1-0 to Morocco in the quarter-finals.

The 37-year-old was also dropped for their Round of 16 clash against Switzerland, when his replacement Goncalo Ramos netted a hat-trick in the 6-1 win.

Ronaldo left Qatar with only one goal in five appearances, which was a penalty in their opening group fixture against Ghana.

Neville said: “Messi has been managed by Argentina in terms of how the rest of the group have come around him, and they completely play to his strengths.

“Whereas with Portugal and with Santos having known Cristiano for so long, I thought he’d have done the same.

“It feels to me like something has happened within the tournament that’s meant that plan has changed and Santos has thought ‘I need to leave you out’.”