Portugal coach: 'Childish' to compare Ronaldo's needs to Messi's

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has come to the defense of his decision not to rest Cristiano Ronaldo in their final group game against Colombia. Martinez stated that it would be 'childish' to compare Ronaldo's needs with those of other notable players, such as Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland. He emphasized that Ronaldo is capable of handling the demands of the game. The Portugal coach highlighted Ronaldo's mental and physical ability to play every minute, showcasing his confidence in the player's endurance. Martinez's comments come as Portugal prepares for its upcoming matches, with Ronaldo expected to play a crucial role in the team's success. The coach's decision to keep Ronaldo in the lineup has sparked interest, given the player's importance to the team. By choosing not to rest Ronaldo, Martinez is demonstrating his trust in the player's ability to perform at a high level consistently.