Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo led the praise for Luka Modric, the playmaker of the Croatian national football team, after Portugal eliminated his country from the Round of 32 of the World Cup in an exciting match held yesterday, Thursday.

Modric (40 years old) helped the Croatian team finish as runners-up in the 2018 edition and led Croatia to the semi-finals in the 2022 World Cup.

However, the match that Croatia lost 1-2 to Portugal, which saw a dramatic late goal in stoppage time and then a Croatian equalizer disallowed for offside, appears to be Modric's last appearance in a World Cup finals.

Ronaldo (41 years old), who was Modric's teammate at Real Madrid, said: "I am saying goodbye to him. We are almost the same age. He is a legend of football. I have great respect for Modric for what he has achieved in football."

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic also expressed sympathy for Modric.

He said: "This was perhaps his last World Cup. I am sorry that his journey ends in such a sad way."

This edition is also likely to be Ronaldo's last World Cup, despite the Al-Nassr Saudi striker continuing to score goals.

Ronaldo scored the equalizer from a penalty after Ivan Perisic had given Croatia the lead in a match played in Toronto yesterday, Thursday, but he seemed angry when substituted with the score tied at 1-1.

However, his joy was evident after the late winning goal scored by Goncalo Ramos, after which he gave a special tribute to Modric on the pitch.

After the final whistle, the Portuguese players raised the number 21 shirt worn by their late teammate Diogo Jota, then Ronaldo put on the shirt and pointed to the sky with tears in his eyes.

Diogo Jota and his brother Andre died in a car accident on July 3, 2025.

Coinciding with nearly the first anniversary of Jota's death, Ronaldo said: "It's a special day, you know, for Jota. He is up there lighting our way. It's a special moment. We all feel he is with us, and it was natural to win in his honor in the best possible way."

The Portuguese team will face their rival Spain, the European champions, in the Round of 16 in a highly anticipated match.

Ronaldo has been criticized by some analysts during the World Cup, alleging that he has become a hindrance to the team on and off the pitch, depriving younger players of their opportunity.

However, Portugal winger Rafael Leao defended his captain, who has only won the European Championship and the UEFA Nations League with his country, along with a long list of club achievements.

Leao said: "We all want to dedicate this title to Cristiano, as it is the only one missing from his career."

He added: "During the World Cup preparation, he gave his all to be in the best physical condition, and he proved that today at the decisive moment. He never lets his team down, even amid all this criticism."